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Rhizome of the noxious weed Quackgrass (Agropyron repens) growing through a potato tuber. |
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| Drought tolerant Field bindweed is a common noxious weed that is extremely difficult to control. Photo source: Illinois Wildflowers.com |
Noxious Weeds and Water-Conserving Landscapes
Weeds are plants that frustrate gardening or landscaping goals. Like other plants, weeds are categorized as perennial, annual, grassy, broadleaf, and woody, and are managed accordingly.
Unfortunately, some weeds are so aggressive and difficult to control that they are labeled ‘noxious’. Executive Order 13112 (February 3, 1999) identifies noxious weeds as "an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health" and are required to be controlled by law.
Such weeds are identified on a state-by-state basis because their aggressiveness is often a function of the environment. Each state has specific laws governing their control.
Many noxious weeds thrive in water-conserving landscapes. The ability to identify local noxious weeds and how they spread is an important part of their control. Note that many common landscape plants are considered invasive or noxious.
Contact the local Cooperative Extension Service Office for more information on how to control these serious pests.
Additional Resources:
USDA Invasive and Noxious Weeds by state
Know the Weeds
Weed Identification Tools and Techniques
Invasive Plants - Coming to America
West
California: Invasive Weeds Resource List
Nevada: Fighting Invasive Weeds - A Northeastern Nevada Landowners' Guide to Healthy Landscapes
Online Education Programs Weed Identification and Control videos