Oakland County, MI Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Through the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's RainSmart Rebates program, homeowners in the George W. Kuhn Drain Drainage District can receive $6 per square foot for installing a rain garden, with a minimum size of 75 square feet. At least 75% of plants must be Michigan native species. Prohibited invasive species in rebate-funded gardens include yellow iris, purple loosestrife, garlic mustard, autumn olive, dame's rocket, phragmites, Japanese pachysandra, miscanthus (silver grass), periwinkle, heavenly bamboo, Japanese barberry, and burning bush. Native plant materials are recommended for their deep root systems that improve stormwater infiltration. Beyond RainSmart, Oakland County partners with MSU Extension and the Six Rivers Land Conservancy on native plant education. Importantly, Michigan's MCL 247.62 specifically excludes milkweed (Asclepias spp.) from the noxious-weeds list, allowing residents to plant milkweed without violating municipal weed ordinances. Municipalities such as Bloomfield Township and Rochester Hills allow registered 'natural landscapes' as an exemption to standard grass-height rules, provided the area is bounded and identified.