Columbia Definitions ordinance (§ 11-251)

As used in this division, the following terms mean:

Agricultural crops. Food crops or forage for livestock (i.e., hay or alfalfa) cultivated on a lot greater than two and one-half (2½) acres in size located within the Columbia city limits.

Control. A method to minimize the growth and spread of a plant to eventually achieve eradication.

Community garden. A single piece of land gardened collectively by a group of people that utilize either individual or shared plots on private or public land while producing fruits, vegetables, and/or plants that are grown for aesthetic purposes including, but not limited to, native and ornamental plants.

Invasive plant. A vegetation species that grows aggressively in the State of Missouri and is designated as invasive by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Landscape. An alteration of surrounding grounds using ornamental and/or native vegetation including, but not limited to, trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses.

Managed landscape. A planned and designed yard or landscape that controls, directs and maintains the growth of vegetation including, but not limited to, ornamental flower gardens and native landscapes.

Native landscape. A managed landscape that is designed to mimic the natural habitat types of Missouri by exclusively using native plants including, but not limited to, trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses which are indigenous to the geographic area of the garden.

Native plant. A vegetation species that is indigenous to a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat in Missouri as listed by the Missouri Department of Conservation including, but not limited to, certain wildflowers, shrubs, grasses and trees that are indigenous to the topographic area.

Noxious weed. A vegetation species that is listed as a Missouri State Noxious Weed by the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Nuisance plant. A vegetation species known to cause death or severe allergic reactions among certain individuals including, but not limited to, poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) and ragweeds (Ambrosia spp.).

Ornamental plants. Non-native vegetation planted for aesthetic reasons.

Turf grass. A type of ground cover comprised mainly of grasses including, but not limited to, bluegrass, fescue and ryegrass blends. Turf grass must be maintained at a height of no more than twelve (12) inches and managed by mowing and trimming to maintain a uniform height.

Turf weed. Broadleaf weeds and other annual and perennial grasses that invade or disrupt the uniformity of turf grass lawns.

Urban agricultural crops. Food crops cultivated on a lot less than two and one-half (2½) acres in size located within the Columbia city limits.

Vegetable garden. Food crops cultivated on residential or commercial property and/or is located in a neighborhood setting.

Vermin harborage. A combination of dense vegetation, human infrastructure and refuse in an area that causes or could cause an overpopulation of rats or mice.