Riverside, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- CDFA Noxious Weed
- CDFA Noxious Weed list under CA Food & Ag Code 7270+
- Arundo Donax Tamarisk
- Arundo donax, tamarisk, pampas grass are priority targets
- Santa Ana River
- Santa Ana River corridor has active removal programs
- Cal-IPC 'Don't Plant
- Cal-IPC 'Don't Plant a Pest' guides nursery choices
- Report Stands Public
- Report stands on public property via Engage 311
Summary
The California Department of Food and Agriculture maintains the statewide Noxious Weed list (Food & Ag Code §7270+) that applies in Riverside. Arundo donax (giant reed), tamarisk (salt cedar), and pampas grass are specifically targeted for removal in the Santa Ana River corridor through regional invasive-species programs.
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.
Full Breakdown
California regulates invasive and noxious plants statewide under California Food & Agricultural Code Sections 7270 and following, with the California Department of Food and Agriculture publishing the Noxious Weed list and rating system (A, B, C, Q). Riverside is particularly concerned with three invasive species along the Santa Ana River and its tributaries: Arundo donax (giant reed), which crowds out native willow and cottonwood and dramatically increases wildfire fuel loads; tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima, salt cedar), which depletes groundwater and salinizes soils; and pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana/jubata), which establishes in disturbed areas and produces millions of windborne seeds.
S. Fish & Wildlife, and Riverside Conservation Authority coordinate removal in the river corridor. Homeowners in adjacent neighborhoods should not plant these species and should report established stands through Engage 311 for public-property sites. Other CDFA-listed invasives found locally include yellow star-thistle, perennial pepperweed, and artichoke thistle. The California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) maintains a complementary horticultural 'Don't Plant a Pest' list used by most Southern California nurseries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal for me to have pampas grass in my yard?
What should I plant instead of Arundo?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside
California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside to another location·View the California invasive plant rules overview
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Prohibited Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle prohibited species.