Temecula, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)

While California does not maintain a single statewide 'banned plant list' for residential landscapes, Temecula's Fire Hazard Severity Zone designation and Riverside County Fire defensible space requirements effectively prohibit certain highly flammable species in Zones 0-2 around structures. CAL FIRE's 'plants to avoid' list flags juniper, Italian cypress (planted close to homes), pampas grass (Cortaderia jubata), fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum), eucalyptus (close to structures), Acacia, rosemary in large hedges, and bamboo as ember-receptive or oil-rich pyrophytes. Removal can be required during defensible space inspection. The California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) identifies high-risk invasives common in southwest Riverside watersheds: Arundo donax (giant reed), Tamarix (saltcedar/tamarisk), Spanish broom (Spartium junceum), Scotch broom, fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and pampas grass. Removal of Arundo and tamarisk along Murrieta Creek and Santa Margarita River is the focus of regional restoration efforts; planting these is strongly discouraged and may violate riparian permits issued by Regional Water Board or CDFW. State law also bans certain noxious weeds under California Food & Agricultural Code §5004 enforced by the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner. Temecula's landscape design guidelines recommend native and Mediterranean-climate alternatives. Replace listed pyrophytes with manzanita, ceanothus, salvia, lavender, agave, and other low-fuel, drought-tolerant species.