State Conservation Department Announces Blacklist For Some Invasive Plant Species

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- There is a blacklist in New York on some plants.

As CBS2's Vanessa Murdock reported, gardeners should know that dozens are now banned by the state.

With the sounds of spring in the air, and planting season in full swing some of your favorite flora may be hard to find.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is cracking down on invasives and has banned more than 60 plants, including oriental bittersweet and porcelain berry vines, which have been choking trees along the Sawmill Parkway, and the lesser celandine which has been visibly running rampant.

Carol Capiobianco, Director of the Native Plant Center at Westchester Community College, told CBS2 that invasive plants are taking over.

"The legislation is about not perpetuating the problem," she said.

Landscape architect Suzanne Nolan said invasives affect wildlife and their food sources.

"It's a big problem because it's really changing the nature of our forests and landscapes," Nolan said, "Our forests are going silent and it's a sad situation."

She thinks the legislation is excellent news, but added that it will be harder to find some beloved plants like the yellow groove bamboo and Japanese barberry.

"We've decided not to sell any restricted or prohibitive plants," Richard Schnall of Rosedale Nurseries, explained.

Schnall said they stopped buying them last year, but stock up on others.

"Faogella is a perfect replacement for barberry, offering wonderful flowers and great foliage," he said.

Burning bush, known for its radiant red in the fall, is now regulated which means you can buy it, but it might be harder to find.

Homeowners aren't required to dig up banned plants, but experts said they might want to do so anyway.

Anyone caught violating the new regulations will first receive a warning and education, after that will come fines or license revocation.