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The new rule clarifies that managed areas such as native meadows, rain gardens and gardens with ornamental or native plants are exempt from the county’s weed-control ordinance.

The bill also discourages invasive species as defined by the Missouri Department of Conservation, including bush honeysuckle, Johnsongrass and the mimosa tree, also known as a silk tree, among other plants.

Missouri’s noxious weeds, as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture, would also be outlawed, including kudzu vine and some types of thistle.

Councilwoman Kelli Dunaway, a Democrat from Chesterfield, introduced the bill earlier this month.

Ecological landscapes boost biodiversity; clean and manage water, reducing flooding; sequester carbon in their root systems; and reduce the need for lawn maintenance and the fuel, water and chemicals necessary to maintaining turf.

The bill goes to County Executive Sam Page for his signature. He said changes to the bill are a good idea.