Omaha, NE Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Native Nebraska tallgrass prairie species like big bluestem, little bluestem, switchgrass, Indian grass, and native forbs (purple coneflower, butterfly milkweed, black-eyed Susan, Liatris) are well suited to Omaha's continental climate and are promoted through programs like Clean Solutions for Omaha (CSO). The weed ordinance exempts planned native landscapes when documented with a plan, defined boundaries, and active maintenance (edging, mulching, cutbacks). Without documentation, tall natives can trigger the 12-inch violation because enforcement is complaint-driven and visual. Submitting a landscape plan to the Property Maintenance Division in advance prevents misunderstanding. Nebraska Statewide Arboretum and Nebraska Extension provide design guidance. Rain gardens using native wet-meadow species qualify for stormwater management credits. Pollinator gardens are encouraged. Invasive species such as Callery pear (Bradford), common buckthorn, and bush honeysuckle should be avoided; the state does not ban residential planting but discouragement is growing. HOAs sometimes restrict native landscapes; challenge with documentation and published Nebraska Extension guidance.