Washington Bans Sale, Distribution of English Ivy from August 9

Washington state has officially banned the sale, transport, and distribution of English ivy and Atlantic or Boston ivy by adding these species to its noxious weed quarantine list, effective August 9. The decision follows petitions from citizens and organizations, like the Whatcom Million Trees Project, and widespread public support, reflecting concerns about the ivies' destructive impact on trees and native plants. English ivy damages trees by competing with their foliage for sunlight, adding weight that increases the risk of wind damage, and causing bark injuries that invite insects and disease. The vines also spread rapidly, overtaking native understory plants and reducing animal habitat, making eradication difficult and costly. Although previously classified as a Class C noxious weed allowing only county-level control, the new statewide ban provides a critical tool to prevent its spread and protect forest and urban tree health. The ban also addresses concerns that despite prior awareness of the plant's invasiveness, nurseries and big-box retailers had continued to sell ivy in Washington until this regulation was enacted.