Moreno Valley, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)

California Food and Agricultural Code and the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) inventory identify plants that pose ecological, fire, or flood-control risks. In the Moreno Valley and greater Riverside County area, giant reed (Arundo donax) is particularly problematic along the Santa Ana River and flood control channels because it crowds out native riparian habitat and burns intensely. Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) and jubata grass are invasive along roadsides and slopes and are a serious fire ladder fuel. Tamarisk (salt cedar) invades desert washes east of Moreno Valley. Tree of heaven spreads aggressively in urban alleys and hosts the spotted lanternfly, a feared agricultural pest. French, Spanish, and Scotch broom can establish in the Box Springs foothills. New landscape installations subject to Moreno Valley plan review, especially in open-space buffers and MWELO-compliant submittals, must not include species on the state A or B noxious weed list. Existing homeowners are not usually required to remove legacy plantings but are encouraged to replace them. Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District, Cal Fire, and the Santa Ana Watershed Authority all conduct periodic removal projects. Tree of heaven within 100 feet of a structure should be removed as part of defensible space.