Did you know the Town of Oro Valley has a list of “good” and “bad” plants? Before you update your landscaping, you should check the list to ensure you don’t harbor any “felonius flora”. 

Existing, established plants, typically are “grandfathered”, unless they are classified as an invasive species, then check with the Town of Oro Valley if they should be removed. Or as I always say, “When in doubt, cut it out!”

Here is a quick list of plants to avoid:

CAÑADA HILLS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION PLANT LIST
ORO VALLEY PROHIBITED PLANT LIST

1. Any species of tree or shrub whose mature height may reasonably be expected to exceed 25 feet, with the exception of those indigenous plants, which may naturally exceed 25 feet.
2. Olive trees (Olea europaea), will be prohibited for reasons of their profuse production of allergy-producing pollen. However, the “Swan Hill Olive” and the “Wilson Hill Olive” varieties may be used due to its non-flowering ,non-pollen producing status.
3. Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum) will be prohibited as a defined weed with the potential to spread throughout the Town and become a fire hazard.
4. Common Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) will be prohibited as a defined weed and for its profuse production of allergy-producing pollen.
5. Mexican Palo Verde (Parkinsonia aculeata) will be prohibited as harborer of pests and for its ability to spread throughout the Town thereby altering the present natural desert.
6. Mulberry Trees (Morus) will be prohibited as noxious pollen producers.
7. Desert Broom (Baccharis sarothroides) will be prohibited as a defined weed with the potential to spread throughout the Town.