A Reston resident says she’s facing fines and possible legal action over the presence of milkweed on her property.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, milkweed has a “bad reputation,” but the wildflower is vital for monarch caterpillars and other pollinators. It’s also toxic to the invasive spotted lanternflies, which have proliferated across the D.C. region over the past few years.
However, milkweed is also toxic to pets like cats and dogs, potentially leading to serious or even fatal poisoning if ingested.
Reston resident and business owner Radhika Murari told FFXnow:
Spotted lanternflies are swarming across Virginia — killing trees, devastating crops, threatening entire ecosystems. State officials call them one of the most dangerous invasive pests we’ve ever faced.
And yet here in Reston, instead of fighting them, the Reston Association is threatening me – with fines and legal action – unless I kill the one plant known to stop spotted lantern flies: milkweed.
That’s right: in the middle of an ecological crisis, Reston Association wants to rip out the solution.
Murari blamed a real estate investor and a neighbor for getting Reston Association involved, arguing that the homeowners’ association’s policies on plants are outdated.
RA told FFXnow that it is unable to comment on active cases, but did link to the Reston Deed and its governing documents.
The Deed says that no plant can be installed that is, in the opinion of the Board of Directors or its designated committee, detrimental to neighboring real property. Use and Maintenance Standards Resolution 2 says “detrimental” conditions include any adverse economic effect on the claimant’s property or unreasonable interference with the claimant’s own use, maintenance and enjoyment of their property.
Former RA board member Laurie Dodd says she has a garden with native plants, including milkweed, and has never faced any complaints. She said she had offered to help Murari bring her yard into compliance with the association’s standards but didn’t receive any response.
“Milkweed isn’t messy,” Murari said. “It’s medicine. It fights lanternflies, supports monarch butterflies, strengthens biodiversity, and reduces pesticide use. It’s exactly what Reston should be encouraging if we care about the health of our environment and our children’s future.”
