5 plants that are illegal to grow in California – how to control these invasive species in your yard, plus the native alternatives to use instead

Giant reed grass, Arundo donax, an invasive plant growing in summer with blue sky beyond.

Wherever you garden, there are always plants that exhibit aggressive growth. The invasiveness of any plant is largely region-specific, with climate, soil and the wider ecosystem playing a part. This is why state-specific guidelines are so important - what is destructive in one area might be manageable elsewhere.

California is no exception. In fact, its varied terrain and climate make the state vulnerable to invasive species. From the Pacific coast to the plains of Death Valley, many non-native plants can thrive, often too well. As a result, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) maintains an official list of noxious weeds, defined as plants that are illegal to sell, transplant or propagate within the state.