New Anchorage Invasive Species Ordinance (AO No. 2025‑131)
Anchorage has adopted a new ordinance to help protect Alaska’s natural environment and economy from harmful invasive plants. Beginning May 2026, it will be illegal to sell, give away, or plant 16 additional regulated invasive plant species within the Municipality of Anchorage. This applies to plants, seeds, and cuttings. Violations may result in a $250 fine per occurrence.
View the Ordinance
Why This Matters
Invasive plants spread quickly and outcompete native vegetation.
They damage wildlife habitats, harm agriculture, and increase long-term control costs.
Preventing their spread protects fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while reducing the need for chemical treatments.
What Is an Invasive Plant?
An invasive plant is a non‑native species that:
Once established, these plants are challenging and expensive to remove.
Check Before You Plant
Retailers & Landscapers
Do not order, sell, or distribute these species after May 2026.
Check plant materials, soil, and seed packets for prohibited species.
Gardeners
Avoid buying, sharing, or planting these species.
Carefully inspect wildflower seed mixes - many include prohibited plants such as oxeye daisy.
Choose non‑invasive alternatives whenever possible.
How You Can Help
Learn to recognize invasive species.
Share information with neighbors, gardening groups, and local businesses.
Encourage the use of safe, non‑invasive plant alternatives.
Invasive Species in AO No. 2025-131
- Bird Cherry or Mayday Trees (Prunus padus)
- Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea)
- Itadori or Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
- Giant Knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis)
- Bohemian Knotweed (Fallopia x bohemica)
- Himalayan Knotweed (Persicaria wallichii)
- Siberian Peashrub (Caragana arborescens)
- Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)
- Spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe)
- Meadow hawkweed (Hieracium caespitosum)
- White sweet clover (Melilotus albus)
- Yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis)
- Bird vetch (Vicia cracca L. ssp. cracca)
- Butter-and-eggs (Linaria vulgaris)
- Rampion bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides)
- Mouse ear hawkweed (Hieracium pilosella)
- Oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)
- Creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens)
- All species listed in Alaska Administrative Code 11 AAC 34.020(a)
- All plant species quarantined from entry to Alaska by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.