English ivy added to list of plants that are illegal to buy or sell in Washington

English ivy is now illegal to buy or sell in Washington state, as it has been added to the noxious weed quarantine list along with 18 other invasive species. The Washington State Department of Agriculture made this decision following extensive public input, including petitions from concerned citizens and local organizations. The law requires individuals to destroy any existing English ivy plants to mitigate their spread and environmental impact. Feedback showed strong support for the ban, particularly regarding the damage English ivy inflicts on trees, such as increased weight and vulnerability to disease. Susan Hutton of the Whatcom Million Trees Project described the decision as a major win for conservation efforts.

The department's initiative reflects a growing awareness of the ecological damage caused by invasive species. Although other suggested plants were not added to the list, the department indicated that regulatory and scientific constraints influenced those decisions. The move demonstrates a proactive approach to managing invasive species and protecting Washington's native ecosystems.