Waltham, MA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Legal status
- Fully legal and encouraged
- Invasive ban list
- MA Prohibited Plant List
- Recommended natives
- Oaks, asters, milkweed, serviceberry
- Maintenance requirement
- Intentional design, avoid nuisance
- Local resource
- Waltham Land Trust
Summary
Native plantings are encouraged in Waltham and fully legal in residential yards. Massachusetts maintains a Prohibited Plant List banning invasive species that can displace natives.
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
Waltham does not restrict homeowners from replacing turf lawns with native plant gardens, pollinator meadows, or New England-native landscaping. The Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List, administered by the Department of Agricultural Resources, bans the sale and propagation of approximately 140 invasive species including burning bush, Japanese barberry, Norway maple, and multiflora rose. Homeowners are encouraged to plant native species appropriate to eastern Massachusetts such as oaks, serviceberry, black-eyed Susan, New England aster, butterfly weed, and native viburnums. The Charles River watershed and Beaver Brook Reservation benefit from native plantings that reduce runoff and support pollinators. Native meadow areas must still be maintained to avoid violating the general property maintenance code, meaning plantings should be intentional, bordered, and free of invasive overgrowth. The Waltham Land Trust and Mass Audubon offer guidance on regional native species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my lawn with native plants in Waltham?
What natives work well in Waltham?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Waltham
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Native Plants in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle native plants.