Boston, MA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Private Mandate
- None
- Large Projects
- Article 37 encouragement
- Wetland Buffer
- Natives preferred
- Invasive Ban
- State Prohibited Plant List
Summary
Boston encourages native plantings through Article 37 green building standards and the Grow Boston Greener program. No ordinance mandates native plants on private lots.
Following is a list of plants, including all cultivars, varieties and hybrids, for which the sale, import, trade, purchase, distribution, propagation, and related activities are currently prohibited within the state of Massachusetts [...] *Phase-out period for newly listed prohibited species: When a species is added to the Prohibited Plant List, nursery agents/growers may no longer receive or begin propagation of those species. Existing stock is subject to the following phase-out periods, determined by growth form (1 year for herbaceous plants, 2 years for shrubs, 3 years for trees): Common Name Scientific Name Deadline for import/propagation Deadline for all sales — black Alder, European alder (Alnus glutinosa) 12/8/2025 12/31/2028; Callery/Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana) 9/19/2024 12/31/2028 (with limited exceptions in orchards); Chinese silver grass, Eulalia, maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis) 12/8/2025 12/31/2026; Japanese Angelica tree (Aralia elata) 5/11/2026 5/11/2029; jetbead, white Kerria, jetberry bush (Rhodotypos scandens) 12/8/2025 12/31/2027; sapphire berry, Asiatic sweetleaf (Symplocos paniculata) 5/11/2026 5/11/2028.
Full Breakdown
Large new developments in Boston subject to BPDA Article 37 green building review are pushed to use regionally appropriate native and adapted plant palettes, with points toward LEED or LEED-equivalent certification. The Parks and Recreation Department Grow Boston Greener tree planting program prioritizes native species like red maple, swamp white oak, and hackberry. For private homeowners no ordinance mandates natives, but the Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List bars sale and planting of invasives. The Boston Conservation Commission reviews plantings in wetland buffer zones (within 100 feet of wetlands or 200 feet of a stream) and generally requires natives in those areas under the Wetlands Protection Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to plant native?
Where can I buy natives?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boston
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