Wellesley, MA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Massachusetts does not mandate native plants but strongly encourages them through MA Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) pollinator-protection initiatives, the MA Pollinator Plan, and the DCR Landscape Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment. MA Invasive Plant Advisory Group maintains a list (under 330 CMR 9.00) of invasive species banned from nursery sale — including Japanese knotweed, multiflora rose, burning bush, Norway maple (partial), and over 60 others. Brookline adopted a Climate Action Plan promoting native plantings on town land and offering Healthy Yards resident program. Quincy Environmental Master Plan encourages native species. Weymouth has no specific native-plant program but enforces state invasive ban. MassAudubon and Native Plant Trust offer plant sales and guidance. No MA statute specifically overrides HOA/condo restrictions on xeriscape or native lawns — unlike CA/FL.