Methodology

Our systematic approach to compiling regulated plant species information

Research Approach

To comprehensively identify regulated plant species, we conducted systematic research using authoritative and reliable sources. Our approach included the following steps:

Data Collection from Authoritative Sources: We reviewed and extracted information from government websites (e.g., state/provincial departments of agriculture, environmental protection, and natural resources), academic institutions (e.g., university extension programs specializing in invasive and noxious plants), and reputable non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on plant conservation and invasive species management.
Compilation of Region-Specific Lists: For each state, province, and country, we compiled a list of regulated plant species, ensuring that our data captured variations in regulatory definitions (e.g., noxious plants, invasive plants) and species classifications unique to each jurisdiction.
Comparison with Federal Lists: The compiled region-specific lists were systematically compared with the federal noxious plant lists published by relevant agencies (USDA in the US, Federal regulations in Canada, and national restrictions in Australia). This allowed us to identify discrepancies, overlaps, and gaps between regional and national regulations.
Verification and Cross-Referencing: We cross-referenced the findings to ensure accuracy and consistency. This included validating species names and classifications to account for synonyms and taxonomic updates.

This method ensured a comprehensive and accurate assessment of regulated plant species, providing insights into the alignment and divergence of plant management policies across jurisdictions.

Data Sources

Our database is compiled from official regulatory lists and is regularly updated to reflect the latest regulations. The data includes:

Common and scientific names of regulated plant species
Regulation status across different jurisdictions
Distribution information across regions

Genus, species, in the context of the regulated plant list, is considered to include all species, subspecies, cultivars, varieties, and forms of that species (including genetically modified variants), unless specifically excluded. However, a species is considered to exclude any hybrids of that species with another species, unless otherwise stated.

Australian Capital Territory

Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry last updated 2023

New South Wales

Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry last updated 2023

Northern Territory

Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry last updated 2023

Queensland

Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry last updated 2023

South Australia

Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry last updated 2023

Tasmania

Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry last updated 2023

Victoria

Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry last updated 2023

Western Australia

Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry last updated 2023

National

Weed control Act last updated 2016

Alberta

Weed control Act last updated 2016

British Columbia

Province Weed Control Act last updated 2023

Manitoba

Noxious Weeds Act (C.C.S.M. c. N110) last updated 2022

Nova Scotia

Agricultural Weed Control Act last updated 2003

Ontario

Weed Control Act last updated 2022

Prince Edward Island

Weed Control Act Purple Loosestrife Control Regulations last updated 2004

Saskatchewan

The Weed Control Act last updated 2010

European Union last updated 2025

National

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development last updated 2009

National

Ministry for Primary Industries last updated 2024

National

Ministry of Municipalities and Environment last updated 2020

National

National Center for Wildlife last updated 2025

Forest biome