Plants & Flowers
Nursery stock needs inspection and certification; some plants are prohibited from sale.
Registration RequiredMDARNursery program
330 CMR 8Prohibited plants
QuarantinePest rules
6.25%Sales tax
What is covered and what needs a different path
What this guide covers
- Certified nursery stock
- Cut flowers and bouquets
- Seeds and bulbs
- Dried flowers and wreaths
Needs a different path
- Plants on the prohibited list
- Stock from quarantined areas without certification
- Unlabeled pesticide-treated plants
- Edible plants sold as food without compliance
Three compliance steps
A
Certify
Check MDAR nursery certificate requirements.
B
Check the list
Confirm no plant on the Massachusetts prohibited list.
C
Move safely
Follow pest quarantine rules for firewood and shipments.
Quick reference
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery certificate | Inspection and certificate for nursery stock | MDAR |
| Prohibited plants | Banned from import, sale, trade | 330 CMR 8.00 |
| Quarantine | Pest movement limits | MDAR; USDA APHIS |
| Labeling | Plant name and source | MDAR |
| Sales tax | Taxable | MA DOR |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license?Check the MDAR nursery program.
Can I sell invasive plants?No, not those on the prohibited list.
Are cut flowers taxed?Yes, as non-food.
Printable checklist
- Nursery certificate checked
- Prohibited list reviewed
- Quarantine compliance
- Plant labels
- Pest inspection
- Sales tax
- Local certificate