Southborough, MA Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)

Section 174-13 of the Town's zoning bylaw sets minimum landscaping standards, and subsection B(10)(d) states that the listed invasive species of plants are prohibited from being planted. The list names tree of heaven, Japanese barberry, Asian or oriental bittersweet, autumn olive, European and glossy buckthorn, common buckthorn, Bell's, Japanese and Morrow's honeysuckle, purple loosestrife, common reed (Phragmites), black locust, multiflora rose, Norway maple, sycamore maple, burning bush, privet (Ligustrum species) and Japanese spirea.

The bylaw defines invasive plants by quoting the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Group and adds that all synonyms, species, subspecies, varieties, forms, and cultivars of a listed species are included unless proven otherwise by a process of scientific evaluation. Subsection B(10)(c) also notes that many of the listed species have native counterparts that could be considered, and states that the Town of Southborough encourages the use of native species in all landscaping plans.

The rule attaches to development review, not to every yard. Under subsection A(2), the landscaping section applies to any new building, addition, or change of use in an existing structure that requires a parking increase of five or more spaces, or is subject to site plan review by the Planning Board. Subsection A(3) exempts developments or renovations in the Business Village District and the Downtown District, although the Planning Board can still require landscaping there as part of a site plan or special permit application. Every submission needs a comprehensive landscape plan and planting schedule under B(1), the developer furnishes and installs the plants on the approved plan under B(2), and B(6) requires the property owner to replace any plant material that dies within 180 days.

The Lower Impact Development bylaw repeats the point for stormwater work. Section 174-13.3(E)(2)(i) calls for native plant vegetation (invasive species prohibited) in buffer strips and in rain gardens, and allows naturalized, noninvasive species to be substituted subject to the Planning Board's approval.