This study examines the current role of plants in removing pollutants from stormwater runoff, a critical issue in urban water management. Stormwater runoff poses a significant threat to the health of rivers, creeks, and oceans, as rainfall events transport a mixture of pollutants including litter, sediments, nutrients, heavy metals, and micro-plastics into aquatic systems. Various plant species function as natural biofilters, possessing the ability to absorb, degrade, or trap contaminants such as oils, pesticides, and heavy metals commonly found in stormwater. Integrating plant-based, or botanical, remediation techniques into stormwater management practices not only enhances pollutant removal but also provides multiple co-benefits. Vegetation helps control erosion, mitigates flooding, improves water infiltration, and supports urban biodiversity, thereby contributing to the development of more resilient and sustainable ecosystems. This study further highlights existing knowledge gaps related to the mechanisms and influencing factors of plant-mediated pollutant removal, including plant species selection, soil composition, and pollutant characteristics. Recommendations for future research are proposed to strengthen scientific understanding and improve the design and implementation of nature-based stormwater management systems. By fostering collaboration among policymakers, urban planners, and environmental scientists, plant-centric approaches can play a key role in achieving cleaner waterways and greener cities.