Crossposted from the Noxious Weeds Blog

What does it mean to be a noxious weed?

“Noxious weed” is a legal designation. To become a noxious weed a plant must first meet four criteria.

1. Introduced to Washington state (non-native)
2. Spread beyond where they are planted
3. Create harm where introduced*
4. Difficult to control

*This harm can be agricultural, such as reducing crop output, ecological, such as out competing our native plants, or physical, such as toxic to humans or livestock. They can impact wildlife, human health, land value, recreation, and natural resources.

Anyone can nominate a species, but only the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board defines which plants are noxious. They also determine where weeds are required for control based on how widespread they are and their impact. County Boards have the power to select species and areas to set priorities beyond what the law requires but must request a change in a weed’s designation from the state board to reduce control requirements. Read more.