California regulates invasive plants through the California Food and Agricultural Code and the Department of Food and Agriculture's noxious weed list. Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner enforces quarantines for specific pest plants. The California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) maintains an inventory of invasive plants with threat ratings.
California's invasive plant regulation operates at multiple levels. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) maintains the official Noxious Weed List rating plants as A (eradication/containment required), B (regional management), or C (monitoring). LA County Agricultural Commissioner enforces plant quarantines and pest prevention. Key prohibited/regulated species in the LA area include: Giant reed (Arundo donax), Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana and C. jubata), Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), French broom (Genista monspessulana), Cape ivy (Delairea odorata), and various thistle species. The California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) inventory categorizes plants as High, Moderate, or Limited threat. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains a separate prohibited species list. LA County has specific quarantines for certain agricultural pests. Native plant alternatives are promoted through LA County's Smart Gardening program.
Selling or distributing CDFA-listed noxious weeds can result in penalties under the California Food and Agricultural Code. Property owners may be required to abate invasive species under county quarantine orders. Failure to comply with abatement orders can result in county-performed removal with costs billed to the property owner.
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See how Los Angeles's prohibited species rules stack up against other locations.
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