Alkali Swainsonpea – Sphaerophysa salsula IntroducedListed
Recorded in 2 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Alkali Swainsonpea as a noxious weed species.
California noxious weeds
California (CA) lists 162 plants as noxious weeds under Cal. Code Regs. tit. 3, 4500. California's list is an agricultural noxious-weed law, which governs control and spread on farmland and rights of way rather than what a nursery may sell.
What plants are invasive in California?
California names 162 plants, including Purple Loosestrife, Canada Thistle and Leafy Spurge. A noxious-weed listing obliges control and limits movement; it does not by itself ban nursery sale. 90 of the 162 are also flagged invasive by GRIIS, which is an ecological finding rather than a ruling by California. Checked against Cal. Code Regs. tit. 3, 4500 on July 20, 2026.
Alligatorweed – Alternanthera philoxeroides IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 5 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Alligatorweed as a noxious weed species.
American Spongeplant – Limnobium spongia Not recorded hereListed
Recorded in no California county. California lists American Spongeplant as a noxious weed species.
Argentine Screwbean – Prosopis strombulifera IntroducedListed
Recorded in 1 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Argentine Screwbean as a noxious weed species.
Artichoke – Cynara cardunculus IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 42 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Artichoke as a noxious weed species.
Asian Marshweed – Limnophila sessiliflora Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no California county. California lists Asian Marshweed as a noxious weed species.
Asiatic Witchweed – Striga asiatica Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no California county. California lists Asiatic Witchweed as a noxious weed species.
Austrian Yellowcress – Rorippa austriaca IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 1 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Austrian Yellowcress as a noxious weed species.
Barbed Goatgrass – Aegilops triuncialis IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 26 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Barbed Goatgrass as a noxious weed species.
Barbwire Russian Thistle – Salsola paulsenii IntroducedListed
Recorded in 8 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Barbwire Russian Thistle as a noxious weed species.
Biddy-Biddy – Acaena novae-zelandiae IntroducedListed
Recorded in 7 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Biddy-Biddy as a noxious weed species.
Black Henbane – Hyoscyamus niger Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no California county. California lists Black Henbane as a noxious weed species.
Blue Panicum – Panicum antidotale IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 4 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Blue Panicum as a noxious weed species.
Bohemian Knotweed – Polygonum x bohemicum Not recorded hereListed
Recorded in no California county. California lists Bohemian Knotweed as a noxious weed species.
Bridal Broom – Retama monosperma IntroducedListed
Recorded in 1 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Bridal Broom as a noxious weed species.
Broadleaved Pepperweed – Lepidium latifolium IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 52 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Broadleaved Pepperweed as a noxious weed species.
Brownbeard Rice – Oryza rufipogon Not recorded hereListed
Recorded in no California county. California lists Brownbeard Rice as a noxious weed species.
Bull Thistle – Cirsium vulgare IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 50 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Bull Thistle as a noxious weed species.
Camelthorn – Alhagi maurorum IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 19 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Camelthorn as a noxious weed species.
Canada Thistle – Cirsium arvense IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 47 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Canada Thistle as a noxious weed species.
Canary Island St. Johnswort – Hypericum canariense IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 2 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Canary Island St. Johnswort as a noxious weed species.
Cantaloupe – Cucumis melo IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 3 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Cantaloupe as a noxious weed species.
Capetown Grass – Tribolium obliterum IntroducedListed
Recorded in 1 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Capetown Grass as a noxious weed species.
Carolina Fanwort – Cabomba caroliniana NativeListed
Recorded in 3 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Carolina Fanwort as a noxious weed species.
Carolina Horsenettle – Solanum carolinense NativeListed
Recorded in 20 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Carolina Horsenettle as a noxious weed species.
Chinese Sprangletop – Leptochloa chinensis Not recorded hereListed
Recorded in no California county. California lists Chinese Sprangletop as a noxious weed species.
Coastal Sandbur – Cenchrus spinifex NativeListed
Recorded in 7 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Coastal Sandbur as a noxious weed species.
Common Cordgrass – Spartina anglica IntroducedListed
Recorded in 1 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Common Cordgrass as a noxious weed species.
Common Crupina – Crupina vulgaris IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 2 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Common Crupina as a noxious weed species.
Common Frogbit – Hydrocharis morsus-ranae Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no California county. California lists Common Frogbit as a noxious weed species.
Common Goldenthistle – Scolymus hispanicus IntroducedListed
Recorded in 4 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Common Goldenthistle as a noxious weed species.
Common Gorse – Ulex europaeus IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 20 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Common Gorse as a noxious weed species.
Common Salttree – Halimodendron halodendron IntroducedListed
Recorded in 4 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Common Salttree as a noxious weed species.
Common St. Johnswort – Hypericum perforatum IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 36 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Common St. Johnswort as a noxious weed species.
Creeping Yellowcress – Rorippa sylvestris IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 3 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Creeping Yellowcress as a noxious weed species.
Crossflower – Chorispora tenella IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 18 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Crossflower as a noxious weed species.
Cultivated Knotweed – Polygonum polystachyum IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 5 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Cultivated Knotweed as a noxious weed species.
Curly Plumeless Thistle – Carduus crispus Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no California county. California lists Curly Plumeless Thistle as a noxious weed species.
Dalmatian Toadflax – Linaria dalmatica IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 44 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Dalmatian Toadflax as a noxious weed species.
Denseflower Cordgrass – Spartina densiflora IntroducedListed
Recorded in 3 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Denseflower Cordgrass as a noxious weed species.
Diffuse Knapweed – Centaurea diffusa IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 28 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Diffuse Knapweed as a noxious weed species.
Drummond's Beeblossom – Oenothera xerogaura NativeListed
Recorded in 13 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Drummond's Beeblossom as a noxious weed species.
Dwarf Eelgrass – Nanozostera japonica Not recorded hereListed
Recorded in no California county. California lists Dwarf Eelgrass as a noxious weed species.
Dyer's Woad – Isatis tinctoria IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 25 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Dyer's Woad as a noxious weed species.
Eggleaf Spurge – Euphorbia oblongata IntroducedListed
Recorded in 26 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Eggleaf Spurge as a noxious weed species.
Endive Daisy – Rhagadiolus stellatus IntroducedListed
Recorded in 2 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Endive Daisy as a noxious weed species.
European Mistletoe – Viscum album IntroducedListed
Recorded in 1 of California’s 58 counties. California lists European Mistletoe as a noxious weed species.
Field Bindweed – Convolvulus arvensis IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 44 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Field Bindweed as a noxious weed species.
Field Sowthistle – Sonchus arvensis IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 12 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Field Sowthistle as a noxious weed species.
Fireweed Groundsel – Senecio linearifolius IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 2 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Fireweed Groundsel as a noxious weed species.
Five-Stamen Tamarisk – Tamarix chinensis IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 6 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Five-Stamen Tamarisk as a noxious weed species.
Foxtail Restharrow – Ononis alopecuroides IntroducedListed
Recorded in 1 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Foxtail Restharrow as a noxious weed species.
French Broom – Genista monspessulana IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 20 of California’s 58 counties. California lists French Broom as a noxious weed species.
French Tamarisk – Tamarix gallica IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 5 of California’s 58 counties. California lists French Tamarisk as a noxious weed species.
Geraldton Carnation Weed – Euphorbia terracina IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 1 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Geraldton Carnation Weed as a noxious weed species.
Giant Knotweed – Polygonum sachalinense IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 12 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Giant Knotweed as a noxious weed species.
Giant Reed – Arundo donax IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 25 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Giant Reed as a noxious weed species.
Giantchickweed – Myosoton aquaticum Not recorded hereListed
Recorded in no California county. California lists Giantchickweed as a noxious weed species.
Gooseberry Gourd – Cucumis myriocarpus IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 4 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Gooseberry Gourd as a noxious weed species.
Grassleaf Spurge – Euphorbia graminea Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no California county. California lists Grassleaf Spurge as a noxious weed species.
Great Ragweed – Ambrosia trifida NativeListed
Recorded in 5 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Great Ragweed as a noxious weed species.
Hairy Crabweed – Fatoua villosa IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 8 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Hairy Crabweed as a noxious weed species.
Hairy Whitetop – Cardaria pubescens IntroducedListed
Recorded in 41 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Hairy Whitetop as a noxious weed species.
Hardheads – Acroptilon repens IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 52 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Hardheads as a noxious weed species.
Harmal Peganum – Peganum harmala IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 2 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Harmal Peganum as a noxious weed species.
Heartleaf Horsenettle – Solanum cardiophyllum IntroducedListed
Recorded in 1 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Heartleaf Horsenettle as a noxious weed species.
Hemp Broomrape – Orobanche ramosa IntroducedListed
Recorded in 4 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Hemp Broomrape as a noxious weed species.
Hoary Alyssum – Berteroa incana Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no California county. California lists Hoary Alyssum as a noxious weed species.
Iberian Knapweed – Centaurea iberica IntroducedListed
Recorded in 14 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Iberian Knapweed as a noxious weed species.
Indian Marshweed – Limnophila indica Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no California county. California lists Indian Marshweed as a noxious weed species.
Indian Swampweed – Hygrophila polysperma Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no California county. California lists Indian Swampweed as a noxious weed species.
Italian Plumeless Thistle – Carduus pycnocephalus IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 48 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Italian Plumeless Thistle as a noxious weed species.
Japanese Bristlegrass – Setaria faberi IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 5 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Japanese Bristlegrass as a noxious weed species.
Japanese Knotweed – Fallopia japonica (potentially invasive weed) IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 14 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Japanese Knotweed as a noxious weed species.
Japanese Thistle – Cirsium japonicum Not recorded hereListed
Recorded in no California county. California lists Japanese Thistle as a noxious weed species.
Jointed Goatgrass – Aegilops cylindrica IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 11 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Jointed Goatgrass as a noxious weed species.
Kikuyugrass – Pennisetum clandestinum IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 13 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Kikuyugrass as a noxious weed species.
Large-Flower Primrose-Willow – Ludwigia grandiflora subsp. hexapetala Not recorded hereListed
Recorded in no California county. California lists Large-Flower Primrose-Willow as a noxious weed species.
Leafy Spurge – Euphorbia esula IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 4 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Leafy Spurge as a noxious weed species.
Lenspod Whitetop – Cardaria chalepensis IntroducedListed
Recorded in 42 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Lenspod Whitetop as a noxious weed species.
Maltese Star-Thistle – Centaurea melitensis IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 44 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Maltese Star-Thistle as a noxious weed species.
Mat Sandbur – Cenchrus longispinus NativeListed
Recorded in 12 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Mat Sandbur as a noxious weed species.
Mediterranean Onion – Allium paniculatum IntroducedListed
Recorded in 7 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Mediterranean Onion as a noxious weed species.
Mediterranean Sage – Salvia aethiopis IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 5 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Mediterranean Sage as a noxious weed species.
Medusahead – Taeniatherum caput-medusae IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 30 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Medusahead as a noxious weed species.
Muster John Henry – Tagetes minuta IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 5 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Muster John Henry as a noxious weed species.
Nimblewill – Muhlenbergia schreberi NativeListed
Recorded in 3 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Nimblewill as a noxious weed species.
Nodding Plumeless Thistle – Carduus nutans IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 13 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Nodding Plumeless Thistle as a noxious weed species.
Nutgrass – Cyperus rotundus IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 27 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Nutgrass as a noxious weed species.
Onionweed – Asphodelus fistulosus IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 6 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Onionweed as a noxious weed species.
Orangeberry Nightshade – Solanum lanceolatum IntroducedListed
Recorded in 22 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Orangeberry Nightshade as a noxious weed species.
Ovate Goatgrass – Aegilops geniculata IntroducedListed
Recorded in 1 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Ovate Goatgrass as a noxious weed species.
Oxford Ragwort – Senecio squalidus IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 1 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Oxford Ragwort as a noxious weed species.
Oxygen-Weed – Lagarosiphon major Not recorded hereListed
Recorded in no California county. California lists Oxygen-Weed as a noxious weed species.
Pale Biddy-Biddy – Acaena pallida IntroducedListed
Recorded in 1 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Pale Biddy-Biddy as a noxious weed species.
Paradox Acacia – Acacia paradoxa IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 11 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Paradox Acacia as a noxious weed species.
Peruvian Primrose-Willow – Ludwigia peruviana Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no California county. California lists Peruvian Primrose-Willow as a noxious weed species.
Plume Grass – Saccharum ravennae (Erianthus ravennae) IntroducedListed
Recorded in 1 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Plume Grass as a noxious weed species.
Prickly Comfrey – Symphytum asperum IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 3 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Prickly Comfrey as a noxious weed species.
Prickly Russian Thistle – Salsola tragus IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 34 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Prickly Russian Thistle as a noxious weed species.
Professor-Weed – Galega officinalis Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no California county. California lists Professor-Weed as a noxious weed species.
Puncturevine – Tribulus terrestris IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 46 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Puncturevine as a noxious weed species.
Purple African Nightshade – Solanum marginatum IntroducedListed
Recorded in 12 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Purple African Nightshade as a noxious weed species.
Purple Loosestrife – Lythrum salicaria IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 22 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Purple Loosestrife as a noxious weed species.
Purple Pampas Grass – Cortaderia jubata IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 6 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Purple Pampas Grass as a noxious weed species.
Quackgrass – Elymus repens IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 46 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Quackgrass as a noxious weed species.
Red Star-Thistle – Centaurea calcitrapa IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 45 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Red Star-Thistle as a noxious weed species.
Rush Skeletonweed – Chondrilla juncea IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 28 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Rush Skeletonweed as a noxious weed species.
Saltcedar – Tamarix ramosissima IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 14 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Saltcedar as a noxious weed species.
Saltlover – Halogeton glomeratus IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 11 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Saltlover as a noxious weed species.
Saltmeadow Cordgrass – Spartina patens NativeListed
Recorded in 1 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Saltmeadow Cordgrass as a noxious weed species.
Santa Maria Feverfew – Parthenium hysterophorus Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no California county. California lists Santa Maria Feverfew as a noxious weed species.
Scarlet Wisteria Tree – Sesbania punicea (Sesbania tripetii) IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 4 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Scarlet Wisteria Tree as a noxious weed species.
Scotch Broom – Cytisus scoparius IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 15 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Scotch Broom as a noxious weed species.
Serrate Spurge – Euphorbia serrata IntroducedListed
Recorded in 9 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Serrate Spurge as a noxious weed species.
Sessile Joyweed – Alternanthera sessilis Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no California county. California lists Sessile Joyweed as a noxious weed species.
Shortbristled Needlegrass – Achnatherum brachychaetum IntroducedListed
Recorded in 7 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Shortbristled Needlegrass as a noxious weed species.
Shrubby Russian Thistle – Salsola vermiculata IntroducedListed
Recorded in 2 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Shrubby Russian Thistle as a noxious weed species.
Silverleaf Nightshade – Solanum elaeagnifolium NativeListed
Recorded in 49 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Silverleaf Nightshade as a noxious weed species.
Slender False Brome – Brachypodium sylvaticum Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no California county. California lists Slender False Brome as a noxious weed species.
Slender False Garlic – Nothoscordum gracile IntroducedListed
Recorded in 10 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Slender False Garlic as a noxious weed species.
Slender Russian Thistle – Salsola collina Not recorded hereListed
Recorded in no California county. California lists Slender Russian Thistle as a noxious weed species.
Smallflower Tamarisk – Tamarix parviflora IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 19 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Smallflower Tamarisk as a noxious weed species.
Southern Sandbur – Cenchrus echinatus NativeListed
Recorded in 2 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Southern Sandbur as a noxious weed species.
Spanish Broom – Spartium junceum IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 20 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Spanish Broom as a noxious weed species.
Spiny Plumeless Thistle – Carduus acanthoides IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 10 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Spiny Plumeless Thistle as a noxious weed species.
Spotted Knapweed – Centaurea stoebe IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 35 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Spotted Knapweed as a noxious weed species.
Squarrose Knapweed – Centaurea virgata subsp. squarrosa IntroducedListed
Recorded in 10 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Squarrose Knapweed as a noxious weed species.
Star-Mustard – Coincya monensis IntroducedListed
Recorded in 1 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Star-Mustard as a noxious weed species.
Starhair Groundcherry – Physalis viscosa Not recorded hereListed
Recorded in no California county. California lists Starhair Groundcherry as a noxious weed species.
Stinking Willie – Senecio jacobaea IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 10 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Stinking Willie as a noxious weed species.
Stinkwort – Dittrichia graveolens IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 6 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Stinkwort as a noxious weed species.
Sulphur Cinquefoil – Potentilla recta IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 5 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Sulphur Cinquefoil as a noxious weed species.
Sulphur Knapweed – Centaurea sulphurea IntroducedListed
Recorded in 5 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Sulphur Knapweed as a noxious weed species.
Swamp Saltbush – Atriplex amnicola IntroducedListed
Recorded in 3 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Swamp Saltbush as a noxious weed species.
Syrian Beancaper – Zygophyllum fabago IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 10 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Syrian Beancaper as a noxious weed species.
Tanglehead – Heteropogon contortus NativeListed
Recorded in 2 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Tanglehead as a noxious weed species.
Texas Blueweed – Helianthus ciliaris NativeListed
Recorded in 10 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Texas Blueweed as a noxious weed species.
Tree of Heaven – Ailanthus altissima IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 35 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Tree of Heaven as a noxious weed species.
Tree Spurge – Euphorbia dendroides IntroducedListed
Recorded in 3 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Tree Spurge as a noxious weed species.
Virginia Buttonweed – Diodia virginiana Not recorded hereListed
Recorded in no California county. California lists Virginia Buttonweed as a noxious weed species.
Virginia Groundcherry – Physalis virginiana Not recorded hereListed
Recorded in no California county. California lists Virginia Groundcherry as a noxious weed species.
Wand Sage – Salvia virgata IntroducedListed
Recorded in 3 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Wand Sage as a noxious weed species.
Watersprite – Ceratopteris thalictroides NativeListed
Recorded in 1 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Watersprite as a noxious weed species.
Waterthyme – Hydrilla verticillata IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 18 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Waterthyme as a noxious weed species.
Wavyleaf Beeblossom – Oenothera sinuosa NativeListed
Recorded in 15 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Wavyleaf Beeblossom as a noxious weed species.
Wavyleaf Thistle – Cirsium undulatum NativeListed
Recorded in 12 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Wavyleaf Thistle as a noxious weed species.
West Indian Spongeplant – Limnobium laevigatum IntroducedListed
Recorded in 3 of California’s 58 counties. California lists West Indian Spongeplant as a noxious weed species.
Western Horsenettle – Solanum dimidiatum NativeListed
Recorded in 5 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Western Horsenettle as a noxious weed species.
White Bladderflower – Araujia sericifera IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 23 of California’s 58 counties. California lists White Bladderflower as a noxious weed species.
Whitesnow – Drymaria cordata Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no California county. California lists Whitesnow as a noxious weed species.
Whitestem Distaff Thistle – Carthamus leucocaulos IntroducedListed
Recorded in 1 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Whitestem Distaff Thistle as a noxious weed species.
Wild Garlic – Allium vineale IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 16 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Wild Garlic as a noxious weed species.
Winged Plumeless Thistle – Carduus tenuiflorus IntroducedListed
Recorded in 32 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Winged Plumeless Thistle as a noxious weed species.
Wingleaf Primrose-Willow – Ludwigia decurrens Not recorded hereListed
Recorded in no California county. California lists Wingleaf Primrose-Willow as a noxious weed species.
Woolly Distaff Thistle – Carthamus lanatus subsp. creticus IntroducedListed
Recorded in 18 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Woolly Distaff Thistle as a noxious weed species.
Woolly Distaff Thistle – Carthamus lanatus IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 23 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Woolly Distaff Thistle as a noxious weed species.
Yellow Floatingheart – Nymphoides peltata IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 1 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Yellow Floatingheart as a noxious weed species.
Yellow Nutsedge – Cyperus esculentus NativeListed
Recorded in 36 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Yellow Nutsedge as a noxious weed species.
Yellow Star-Thistle – Centaurea solstitialis IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 49 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Yellow Star-Thistle as a noxious weed species.
Yellow Waterlily – Nymphaea mexicana NativeListed
Recorded in 4 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Yellow Waterlily as a noxious weed species.
Yellowspine Thistle – Cirsium ochrocentrum NativeListed
Recorded in 14 of California’s 58 counties. California lists Yellowspine Thistle as a noxious weed species.
No plant on California’s list matches that.
24 of these plants are native to part of the United States, marked US native above. Nativity is regional. Black locust is native to the Appalachians and regulated in New England; Palmer amaranth is native to the Southwest and listed as an agricultural weed in the Corn Belt. A listing tells you what California regulates, not where a plant belongs. The county checker answers the second question.
Want to check a plant by photo or county?
Use our “Is it native” tool for free.Compiled from the rule itself, retrieved July 20, 2026. Law changes; if you spot a listing we have wrong or stale, tell us at support@getezina.com.
The same list as a table
| Plant | Scientific name | Status | Plant instead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alkali Swainsonpea | Sphaerophysa salsula | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Alligatorweed | Alternanthera philoxeroides | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| American Spongeplant US native | Limnobium spongia | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Argentine Screwbean | Prosopis strombulifera | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Artichoke | Cynara cardunculus | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Asian Marshweed | Limnophila sessiliflora | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Asiatic Witchweed | Striga asiatica | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Austrian Yellowcress | Rorippa austriaca | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Barbed Goatgrass | Aegilops triuncialis | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Barbwire Russian Thistle | Salsola paulsenii | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Biddy-Biddy | Acaena novae-zelandiae | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Black Henbane | Hyoscyamus niger | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Blue Panicum | Panicum antidotale | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Bohemian Knotweed | Polygonum x bohemicum | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Bridal Broom | Retama monosperma | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Broadleaved Pepperweed | Lepidium latifolium | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Brownbeard Rice | Oryza rufipogon | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Bull Thistle | Cirsium vulgare | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Camelthorn | Alhagi maurorum | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Canada Thistle | Cirsium arvense | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Canary Island St. Johnswort | Hypericum canariense | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Cantaloupe | Cucumis melo | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Capetown Grass | Tribolium obliterum | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Carolina Fanwort US native | Cabomba caroliniana | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Carolina Horsenettle US native | Solanum carolinense | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Chinese Sprangletop | Leptochloa chinensis | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Coastal Sandbur US native | Cenchrus spinifex | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Common Cordgrass | Spartina anglica | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Common Crupina | Crupina vulgaris | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Common Frogbit | Hydrocharis morsus-ranae | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Common Goldenthistle | Scolymus hispanicus | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Common Gorse | Ulex europaeus | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Common Salttree | Halimodendron halodendron | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Common St. Johnswort | Hypericum perforatum | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Creeping Yellowcress | Rorippa sylvestris | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Crossflower | Chorispora tenella | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Cultivated Knotweed | Polygonum polystachyum | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Curly Plumeless Thistle | Carduus crispus | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Dalmatian Toadflax | Linaria dalmatica | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Denseflower Cordgrass | Spartina densiflora | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Diffuse Knapweed | Centaurea diffusa | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Drummond's Beeblossom US native | Oenothera xerogaura | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Dwarf Eelgrass | Nanozostera japonica | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Dyer's Woad | Isatis tinctoria | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Eggleaf Spurge | Euphorbia oblongata | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Endive Daisy | Rhagadiolus stellatus | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| European Mistletoe | Viscum album | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Field Bindweed | Convolvulus arvensis | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Field Sowthistle | Sonchus arvensis | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Fireweed Groundsel | Senecio linearifolius | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Five-Stamen Tamarisk | Tamarix chinensis | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Foxtail Restharrow | Ononis alopecuroides | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| French Broom | Genista monspessulana | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| French Tamarisk | Tamarix gallica | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Geraldton Carnation Weed | Euphorbia terracina | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Giant Knotweed | Polygonum sachalinense | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Giant Reed | Arundo donax | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Giantchickweed | Myosoton aquaticum | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Gooseberry Gourd | Cucumis myriocarpus | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Grassleaf Spurge | Euphorbia graminea | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Great Ragweed US native | Ambrosia trifida | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Hairy Crabweed | Fatoua villosa | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Hairy Whitetop | Cardaria pubescens | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Hardheads | Acroptilon repens | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Harmal Peganum | Peganum harmala | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Heartleaf Horsenettle | Solanum cardiophyllum | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Hemp Broomrape | Orobanche ramosa | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Hoary Alyssum | Berteroa incana | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Iberian Knapweed | Centaurea iberica | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Indian Marshweed | Limnophila indica | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Indian Swampweed | Hygrophila polysperma | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Italian Plumeless Thistle | Carduus pycnocephalus | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Japanese Bristlegrass | Setaria faberi | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Japanese Knotweed | Fallopia japonica (potentially invasive weed) | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Japanese Thistle | Cirsium japonicum | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Jointed Goatgrass | Aegilops cylindrica | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Kikuyugrass | Pennisetum clandestinum | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Large-Flower Primrose-Willow | Ludwigia grandiflora subsp. hexapetala | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Leafy Spurge | Euphorbia esula | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Lenspod Whitetop | Cardaria chalepensis | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Maltese Star-Thistle | Centaurea melitensis | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Mat Sandbur US native | Cenchrus longispinus | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Mediterranean Onion | Allium paniculatum | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Mediterranean Sage | Salvia aethiopis | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Medusahead | Taeniatherum caput-medusae | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Muster John Henry | Tagetes minuta | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Nimblewill US native | Muhlenbergia schreberi | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Nodding Plumeless Thistle | Carduus nutans | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Nutgrass | Cyperus rotundus | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Onionweed | Asphodelus fistulosus | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Orangeberry Nightshade | Solanum lanceolatum | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Ovate Goatgrass | Aegilops geniculata | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Oxford Ragwort | Senecio squalidus | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Oxygen-Weed | Lagarosiphon major | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Pale Biddy-Biddy | Acaena pallida | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Paradox Acacia | Acacia paradoxa | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Peruvian Primrose-Willow | Ludwigia peruviana | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Plume Grass | Saccharum ravennae (Erianthus ravennae) | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Prickly Comfrey | Symphytum asperum | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Prickly Russian Thistle | Salsola tragus | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Professor-Weed | Galega officinalis | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Puncturevine | Tribulus terrestris | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Purple African Nightshade | Solanum marginatum | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Purple Loosestrife | Lythrum salicaria | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | Canada Goldenrod, Cutleaf Waterparsnip, Common Cowparsnip |
| Purple Pampas Grass | Cortaderia jubata | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Quackgrass | Elymus repens | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Red Star-Thistle | Centaurea calcitrapa | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Rush Skeletonweed | Chondrilla juncea | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Saltcedar | Tamarix ramosissima | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Saltlover | Halogeton glomeratus | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Saltmeadow Cordgrass US native | Spartina patens | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Santa Maria Feverfew | Parthenium hysterophorus | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Scarlet Wisteria Tree | Sesbania punicea (Sesbania tripetii) | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Scotch Broom | Cytisus scoparius | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | Desert Ceanothus, Apache Plume, Littleleaf Ratany |
| Serrate Spurge | Euphorbia serrata | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Sessile Joyweed | Alternanthera sessilis | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Shortbristled Needlegrass | Achnatherum brachychaetum | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Shrubby Russian Thistle | Salsola vermiculata | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Silverleaf Nightshade US native | Solanum elaeagnifolium | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Slender False Brome | Brachypodium sylvaticum | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Slender False Garlic | Nothoscordum gracile | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Slender Russian Thistle | Salsola collina | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Smallflower Tamarisk | Tamarix parviflora | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Southern Sandbur US native | Cenchrus echinatus | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Spanish Broom | Spartium junceum | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Spiny Plumeless Thistle | Carduus acanthoides | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Spotted Knapweed | Centaurea stoebe | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Squarrose Knapweed | Centaurea virgata subsp. squarrosa | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Star-Mustard | Coincya monensis | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Starhair Groundcherry US native | Physalis viscosa | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Stinking Willie | Senecio jacobaea | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Stinkwort | Dittrichia graveolens | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Sulphur Cinquefoil | Potentilla recta | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Sulphur Knapweed | Centaurea sulphurea | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Swamp Saltbush | Atriplex amnicola | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Syrian Beancaper | Zygophyllum fabago | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Tanglehead US native | Heteropogon contortus | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Texas Blueweed US native | Helianthus ciliaris | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Tree of Heaven | Ailanthus altissima | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | California Black Oak, Valley Oak, Western Cottonwood |
| Tree Spurge | Euphorbia dendroides | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Virginia Buttonweed US native | Diodia virginiana | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Virginia Groundcherry US native | Physalis virginiana | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Wand Sage | Salvia virgata | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Watersprite US native | Ceratopteris thalictroides | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Waterthyme | Hydrilla verticillata | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Wavyleaf Beeblossom US native | Oenothera sinuosa | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Wavyleaf Thistle US native | Cirsium undulatum | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| West Indian Spongeplant | Limnobium laevigatum | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Western Horsenettle US native | Solanum dimidiatum | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| White Bladderflower | Araujia sericifera | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Whitesnow US native | Drymaria cordata | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Whitestem Distaff Thistle | Carthamus leucocaulos | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Wild Garlic | Allium vineale | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Winged Plumeless Thistle | Carduus tenuiflorus | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Wingleaf Primrose-Willow US native | Ludwigia decurrens | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Woolly Distaff Thistle | Carthamus lanatus subsp. creticus | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Woolly Distaff Thistle | Carthamus lanatus | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Yellow Floatingheart | Nymphoides peltata | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Yellow Nutsedge | Cyperus esculentus | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Yellow Star-Thistle | Centaurea solstitialis | ListedInvasiveCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Yellow Waterlily US native | Nymphaea mexicana | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
| Yellowspine Thistle US native | Cirsium ochrocentrum | ListedCalifornia says “noxious weed species” | — |
Where this comes from
- California listings
- Cal. Code Regs. tit. 3, 4500. Read the rule.
- Invasive status
- GRIIS, the Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species, via GBIF, covering the lower 48 states. A scientific register with no legal force; it is cited separately from the statute above because the two disagree far more often than they agree. Garden crops it flags only for spreading from cultivation are left out after review.
- Status wording
- The Prohibited / Restricted / Listed chips are Ezina’s normalisation across 44 states and are not the legal term. Where California’s own word for a plant differs from the chip, it is quoted verbatim beneath it.
- Nativity
- USDA PLANTS county distribution layer, surfaced through the county checker.
Regulated next door, but not in California
Plants that two or more states bordering California regulate, and California does not. A listing is a legal act rather than an ecological one, so a plant can be a documented problem here and still be sold here.
- Scotch Cottonthistle Onopordum acanthium regulated in Arizona, Nevada, Oregon
- Asian Mustard Brassica tournefortii regulated in Arizona, Nevada
- Burningbush Bassia scoparia regulated in Arizona, Oregon
- Butter and Eggs Linaria vulgaris regulated in Nevada, Oregon
- Eurasian Watermilfoil Myriophyllum spicatum regulated in Nevada, Oregon
- Flowering Rush Butomus umbellatus regulated in Nevada, Oregon
- Fountain Grass Pennisetum setaceum regulated in Arizona, Nevada
- Gypsyflower Cynoglossum officinale regulated in Nevada, Oregon
- Johnsongrass Sorghum halepense regulated in Arizona, Nevada
- Kariba-Weed Salvinia molesta regulated in Arizona, Nevada
- North Africa Grass Ventenata dubia regulated in Nevada, Oregon
- Poison Hemlock Conium maculatum regulated in Nevada, Oregon
- Squarrose Knapweed Centaurea virgata regulated in Nevada, Oregon
Questions
Is there an official California invasive species list?
Not under that name. California's legal list is a noxious-weed list: 162 plants named under Cal. Code Regs. tit. 3, 4500, an agricultural noxious-weed law, which governs control and spread on farmland and rights of way rather than what a nursery may sell. GRIIS, the Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species, flags 90 of these 162 as invasive in the lower 48 states. That is an ecological finding, not a ruling by California. This page shows both side by side.
What plants are illegal to sell in California?
California's list is an agricultural noxious-weed law, which governs control and spread on farmland and rights of way rather than what a nursery may sell. 162 plants are named under Cal. Code Regs. tit. 3, 4500. A noxious-weed listing does not automatically ban nursery sale, so check the rule itself before assuming a plant cannot be bought or sold.
Is my plant invasive in California?
Search the table on this page for California's legal determination, then look for the Invasive chip beside it, which is a separate ecological finding from GRIIS rather than a ruling by California. A plant can carry one, both, or neither. For an address-level answer, enter the plant's name in Ezina's checker to get its California status alongside whether USDA records it as native to your specific county. Every answer links the record it came from.
Is it illegal to plant these in California?
Not necessarily, and the distinction matters. California's list is an agricultural noxious-weed law: it obliges landowners to control these plants and restricts moving them, rather than making the act of planting one an offence in itself. Cal. Code Regs. tit. 3, 4500 is the text that says what is actually required of you, and it is linked beside every plant here.
Does a plant missing from this list mean it is safe to plant in California?
No. This page reproduces what California regulates, and a state list is a legal instrument rather than an ecological verdict. Plenty of plants spread aggressively without ever being listed, and states add species years after the problem is documented.
Grow natives easily with Ezina
How it works
We provide the tools you need to succeed.
010.1Identify
Add a plant
Snap a photo or type the name. Ezina matches it to a library of about 40,000 species and starts a care plan tailored to your zone, the local weather, and the time of year.
010.2Care
Get a care plan
A schedule built from local rain, temperature, and sun, not a fixed weekly cadence. You get a single notification when a plant actually needs water. Easily add treatments for diseases and pests.
010.3Plan
Explore new options
Our garden planner Dig helps you understand what works best for your location and makes suggestions based off your long term goals.
Add a plant
Snap a photo or type the name. Ezina matches it to a library of about 40,000 species and starts a care plan tailored to your zone, the local weather, and the time of year.
Get a care plan
A schedule built from local rain, temperature, and sun, not a fixed weekly cadence. You get a single notification when a plant actually needs water. Easily add treatments for diseases and pests.
Explore new options
Our garden planner Dig helps you understand what works best for your location and makes suggestions based off your long term goals.
Compiled from peer-reviewed research, USDA documentation,
and direct scientific observation across the United States.