Missouri is home to diverse natural habitats, but invasive plants continue to threaten its ecosystems. These non-native species spread aggressively, displacing native plants, damaging farmlands, and reducing biodiversity.
To protect both the environment and agriculture, the state has officially banned several highly destructive plants.
Managing these invasives requires more than just physical removal. In most cases, chemical control with herbicides is necessary to achieve long-term suppression.
This guide explores 10 of the worst invasive plants banned in Missouri, explaining their impacts and suggesting effective herbicide options for control.
Invasive Plants Banned In Missouri
1. Kudzu
Kudzu is one of the fastest-growing vines in North America, capable of smothering trees, power lines, and buildings. In Missouri, it poses a massive ecological threat by overwhelming native forests and farmland. Left unchecked, it can consume entire landscapes within a few seasons.
Cutting or mowing alone is ineffective, as Kudzu regenerates from its extensive root system. For control, land managers typically recommend triclopyr-based herbicides like Remedy Ultra, glyphosate formulations such as Roundup Custom, or imazapyr products like Polaris. Each option penetrates deeply into the roots, preventing the vine from returning.
Consistent treatment over several years is necessary for total eradication. Combining herbicide applications with vigilant monitoring helps prevent re-establishment and restores balance to the environment.
Pros:
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Fast suppression
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Root penetration
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Long-lasting effect
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Broad coverage
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Works systemically
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Professional proven
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Reliable outcomes
Cons:
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Expensive option
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Requires repeat use
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Risk to natives
2. Bush Honeysuckle
Bush Honeysuckle invades woodlands, parks, and even urban landscapes across Missouri. This dense shrub blocks sunlight, suppresses native regeneration, and depletes soil resources. Its ability to spread quickly makes it a top ecological threat.
Simply cutting Bush Honeysuckle is not effective, as it rapidly resprouts from stumps. Effective control often involves triclopyr products like Garlon 4 Ultra, cut-stump applications of Pathfinder II, or Crossbow, which combines 2,4-D and triclopyr. These options allow for systemic uptake that kills the root system.
Land managers often combine mechanical removal with targeted herbicide treatments to maximize effectiveness. Early intervention ensures forests and natural areas can recover with healthy native growth.
Pros:
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Effective stump kill
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Woody plant control
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Long-term results
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Trusted options
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Systemic action
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Professional grade
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Reliable suppression
Cons:
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Careful handling
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Drift potential
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Higher costs
3. Purple Loosestrife
Purple Loosestrife is a wetland invader that spreads aggressively in rivers, lakes, and marshes. Its attractive purple flowers disguise the fact that it devastates aquatic ecosystems by displacing native vegetation and reducing wildlife habitat.
While hand-pulling works in small patches, larger infestations need chemical support. Recommended herbicides include aquatic-approved glyphosate products like Rodeo, imazapyr-based formulations such as Habitat, or aquatic blends like Clearcast. These products are labeled safe for use near water while still being effective against Loosestrife.
Application is best timed during flowering before seeds mature. Using herbicides in combination with manual removal ensures long-term success in protecting Missouri’s wetlands.
Pros:
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Aquatic safe
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Broad coverage
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Long-lasting control
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Systemic action
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Easy application
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Reliable suppression
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Effective results
Cons:
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Multiple sprays
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Non-target risk
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Higher expense
4. Japanese Honeysuckle
This aggressive vine spreads across woodlands, grasslands, and even urban spaces, wrapping around trees and shrubs. It disrupts native ecosystems by shading out understory plants and reducing biodiversity. Its persistence makes management especially difficult.
Mechanical removal rarely succeeds because it resprouts vigorously. For chemical control, many managers rely on glyphosate formulations such as Roundup Pro, triclopyr-based products like Garlon 3A, or 2,4-D mixes such as Crossbow. These options penetrate through the leaves and stems to attack underground growth.
Consistent applications in late summer or early fall, when the plant is actively transporting nutrients, improve effectiveness. Pairing herbicides with regular monitoring ensures long-term suppression.
Pros:
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Strong suppression
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Root penetration
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Widely available
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Effective mixes
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Systemic control
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Professional grade
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Proven track record
Cons:
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Repeat treatments
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Risk of drift
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Cost factor
5. Autumn Olive
This invasive shrub forms dense thickets in fields, forests, and roadsides, outcompeting native plants. Its nitrogen-fixing ability alters soil chemistry, further preventing native regeneration. Once established, it spreads aggressively through bird-dispersed seeds.
Cutting or mowing only encourages resprouting, so chemical options are more effective. Recommended choices include triclopyr ester products like Garlon 4 Ultra, cut-stump applications with Pathfinder II, and glyphosate solutions such as Roundup Custom. These herbicides deliver systemic action that suppresses regrowth.
When combined with mechanical clearing, chemical control leads to more durable results. Restoring native grasses and shrubs after treatment helps reduce reinvasion.
Pros:
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Systemic action
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Proven stump kill
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Long-term results
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Professional options
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Broad coverage
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Effective suppression
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Root penetration
Cons:
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Ongoing cost
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Labor intensive
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Risk to non-targets
6. Garlic Mustard
This biennial invader dominates forest understories and displaces spring wildflowers in Missouri. It alters soil conditions, disrupting fungi essential for tree growth. Its rapid spread and prolific seed production make it especially difficult to manage.
Hand-pulling works in small areas but is impractical for larger infestations. Effective herbicides include glyphosate sprays like Rodeo, 2,4-D blends such as Weedone LV4, or dicamba formulations like Banvel. Each option targets broadleaf plants and prevents flowering and seed set.
The best time for application is early spring or fall when competing vegetation is minimal. Following up for several years is crucial due to the long-lived seed bank.
Pros:
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Effective suppression
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Multiple options
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Easy application
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Seed bank control
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Proven systemic kill
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Broadleaf targeting
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Professional grade
Cons:
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Repeated effort
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Seasonal timing
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Collateral risk
7. Sericea Lespedeza
Introduced for erosion control, this legume now invades pastures, grasslands, and roadsides. Its dense growth crowds out native species and reduces forage quality for livestock. Seeds can remain viable in the soil for decades, making management challenging.
Mechanical removal is rarely effective. Commonly recommended herbicides include triclopyr products such as Remedy Ultra, metsulfuron-methyl blends like Cimarron Plus, or 2,4-D combinations such as GrazonNext HL. These formulations provide effective suppression and prevent seed development.
Applications are most effective during late summer when plants are actively flowering. Regular monitoring ensures reinfestations are quickly controlled.
Pros:
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Long-term suppression
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Seed reduction
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Pasture safe
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Systemic activity
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Widely tested
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Multiple solutions
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Effective growth control
Cons:
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Needs repeat sprays
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High cost
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Livestock timing issues
8. Johnson Grass
This perennial grass spreads rapidly in croplands and along roadsides, reducing crop yields and spreading through rhizomes. Its invasive growth pattern makes it a major agricultural nuisance in Missouri.
Mechanical tilling often worsens infestations by spreading rhizome fragments. Recommended chemical controls include glyphosate formulations like Roundup WeatherMAX, imazapyr-based products such as Arsenal, or fluazifop-P herbicides like Fusilade DX. These options work systemically to suppress roots and shoots.
Summer applications during active growth are most effective. Pairing chemical treatments with crop rotation helps reduce long-term infestations.
Pros:
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Strong suppression
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Effective grass killer
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Systemic control
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Proven herbicides
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Agricultural safe
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Multiple choices
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Reliable outcomes
Cons:
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Expensive control
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Repeat cycles
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Non-crop risks
9. Musk Thistle
This biennial weed invades pastures, rangelands, and roadsides. It reduces grazing quality and competes aggressively with native and forage plants. Its sharp spines make it difficult for livestock to feed in infested areas.
Mechanical removal works only before seed set. Chemical options include 2,4-D formulations such as Weedone, dicamba blends like Clarity, or aminopyralid products such as Milestone. These herbicides target broadleaf weeds and prevent seed production.
Applications are best made during the rosette stage in spring or fall. Following up with reseeding ensures that pastures recover with desirable forage.
Pros:
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Effective rosette kill
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Broadleaf specific
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Prevents seed set
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Widely available
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Long-term control
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Proven field use
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Professional results
Cons:
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Careful timing
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Repeat cycles
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Drift concerns
10. Multiflora Rose
Originally planted as a hedge, this shrub now invades forests, pastures, and roadsides. Its dense thickets reduce forage, block wildlife movement, and hinder land management. Birds spread seeds widely, accelerating its spread.
Cutting alone is ineffective, as it resprouts vigorously from roots. Chemical suppression is possible with triclopyr-based herbicides like Garlon 4 Ultra, glyphosate formulations such as Roundup Pro, or aminopyralid products like Milestone. These systemic herbicides provide effective root control.
Late spring and early summer applications are most successful. Restoring native shrubs after control helps prevent reinvasion.
Pros:
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Root suppression
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Long-term results
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Proven formulas
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Widely tested
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Effective coverage
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Professional use
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Reliable outcomes
Cons:
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Resprout risk
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Repeat required
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Higher costs
Invasive Plants Banned In Missouri (FAQs)
1. Why are invasive plants banned in Missouri?
They are banned because they harm native ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, and cause significant economic losses. By restricting their sale and spread, Missouri protects agriculture, pastures, and natural landscapes. Effective management helps preserve ecological balance and supports native plant restoration.
2. Can I remove invasive plants manually without herbicides?
Yes, but manual removal works best for small infestations. Many species resprout from roots, rhizomes, or seed banks, making chemical control necessary for larger areas. Combining manual techniques with targeted herbicide use ensures more durable results.
3. When is the best time to apply herbicides on invasive weeds?
Timing depends on the species, but generally spring and late summer are most effective. Herbicides work best when plants are actively growing and transporting nutrients. Applying at the right growth stage maximizes systemic activity and long-term suppression.
4. Are there eco-friendly alternatives to chemical herbicides?
Yes, options include prescribed burning, grazing, and solarization. While these methods reduce chemical use, they are often less effective for deep-rooted or aggressive plants. Integrating both chemical and non-chemical approaches often delivers the best results.
5. Do invasive plants in Missouri affect farmers directly?
Absolutely — many species invade pastures, croplands, and rangelands, reducing forage and crop yields. Johnson grass, musk thistle, and sericea lespedeza are particularly problematic for livestock and grain producers. Control measures protect farm productivity and income.
6. Can homeowners use the same herbicides as land managers?
Yes, but they should carefully read and follow label instructions. Many professional herbicides are available in homeowner-ready concentrations. Misuse can harm desirable plants, so spot treatments and precision spraying are recommended.
7. How long does it take to fully eradicate an invasive plant?
Eradication is rarely immediate and often requires several years of repeated treatments. Seed banks, underground structures, and rapid spread make long-term monitoring essential. With consistent effort, infestations can be reduced to manageable levels.
Conclusion
Invasive plants banned in Missouri threaten ecosystems, agriculture, and property values if left uncontrolled. Understanding their growth patterns and using a combination of chemical, manual, and cultural methods ensures lasting suppression. Herbicides such as glyphosate, triclopyr, and 2,4-D mixtures remain effective when applied at the correct time.
Property owners, farmers, and conservationists must remain vigilant in monitoring landscapes for reinfestation. Acting early not only reduces costs but also protects the state’s biodiversity for future generations.
Take action today by identifying invasive plants on your land and applying safe, effective control strategies. Consult local extension offices or certified professionals for tailored recommendations. Protecting Missouri’s landscapes begins with responsible management, and your efforts make a difference.