The LA County Agricultural Commissioner maintains a list of noxious weeds and invasive plant species. California's noxious weed list (Food & Agriculture Code §5004) applies countywide. Additionally, the county's landscaping and water-efficient ordinance discourages high-water-use ornamental species.
The LA County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures department enforces California Food and Agriculture Code provisions regarding noxious weeds. State-listed noxious weeds (such as giant reed/Arundo donax, pampas grass/Cortaderia spp., and yellow starthistle) are subject to eradication or containment orders. The county runs active eradication programs for species like the Asian citrus psyllid and Huanglongbing disease. Under LA County's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (Title 22, Chapter 22.52.2200), new landscaping projects over 500 square feet must comply with the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), which discourages high-water-use turf and encourages drought-tolerant, native plantings. The California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) maintains a comprehensive inventory of invasive plants relevant to LA County ecosystems.
Failure to control state-listed noxious weeds after notice may result in county-performed abatement with costs charged to the property owner. MWELO landscape violations can delay project approvals.
See how Palmdale's prohibited species rules stack up against other locations.
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