TITLE 2. AGRICULTURE

BOARD OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

Final Regulation

Title of Regulation: 2VAC5-317. Regulations for the Enforcement of the Noxious Weeds Law (amending 2VAC5-317-20).

Statutory Authority: § 3.2-802 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: July 4, 2024.

Agency Contact: David Gianino, Program Manager, Office of Plant Industry Services, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 786-3515, FAX (804) 371-7793, or email david.gianino@vdacs.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The amendments add 12 plant species to the current noxious weeds list - one to the list of Tier 2 noxious weeds and 11 to the list of Tier 3 noxious weeds.

Summary of Public Comments and Agency's Response: A summary of comments made by the public and the agency's response may be obtained from the promulgating agency or viewed at the office of the Registrar of Regulations.

2VAC5-317-20. Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 noxious weeds.

A. The following plants are hereby declared Tier 1 noxious weeds:

1. Salvinia molesta, Giant salvinia.

2. Solanum viarum, Tropical soda apple.

3. Heracleum mantegazzianum, Giant hogweed.

B. The following plants are hereby declared Tier 2 noxious weeds:

1. Imperata cylindrica, Cogon grass.

2. Lythrum salicaria, Purple loosestrife.

3. Ipomoea aquatica, Water spinach.

4. Vitex rotundifolia, Beach vitex.

5. Oplismenus hirtellus spp. undulatifolius, Wavyleaf basketgrass.

6. Corydalis incisa, Incised fumewort.

7. Trapa bispinosa, Two-horned trapa.

C. The following plants are hereby declared Tier 3 noxious weeds:

1. Ailanthus altissima, Tree of heaven.

2. Ampelopsis brevipedunculata, Porcelain berry.

3. Celastrus orbiculatus, Oriental bittersweet.

4. Hydrilla verticillata, Hydrilla.

5. Persicaria perfoliata, Mile-a-minute weed.

6. Alliaria petiolata, Garlic mustard.

7. Dioscorea polystachya, Chinese yam.

8. Elaeagnus umbellata, Autumn olive.

9. Ficaria verna, Lesser celandine.

10. Lespedeza bicolor, Bicolor lespedeza.

11. Lonicera maackii, Amur honeysuckle.

12. Lonicera japonica, Japanese honeysuckle.

13. Phragmites australis, Common reed.

14. Pueraria montana, Kudzu.

15. Reynoutria japonica, Japanese knotweed.

16. Ulmus pumila, Siberian elm.