Los Angeles, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Regulatory Body
- CDFA + LA County Ag Commissioner
- CDFA Ratings
- A (eradicate), B (manage), C (monitor)
- Key Invasives
- Giant reed, Pampas grass
- Cal-IPC
- Maintains threat inventory
Summary
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.
5004. "Noxious weed" means any species of plant that is, or is liable to be, troublesome, aggressive, intrusive, detrimental, or destructive to agriculture, silviculture, or important native species, and difficult to control or eradicate, which the director, by regulation, designates to be a noxious weed. In determining whether or not a species shall be designated a noxious weed for the purposes of protecting silviculture or important native plant species, the director shall not make that designation if the designation will be detrimental to agriculture. (Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 556, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993.)
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plants are banned in Los Angeles?
Where can I find the list of invasive plants for LA?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California invasive plant rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Prohibited Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle prohibited species.