Noxious and Invasive Weeds
Many non-native plants have spread into eastern Washington’s forests and natural areas. They become introduced in a variety of ways, including human activity, livestock, and birds or other native wildlife. Some non-native plants spread rapidly and are difficult to control. These invasive weeds threaten our ecosystems and wildlife by displacing native plants. Other noxious weeds may be toxic to wildlife or domestic animals. On slopes and along streams, invasive weeds can create soil erosion problems if they displace areas previously occupied by woody plants with more developed root systems.
Noxious weeds must be controlled by law
The Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board determines which plants are designated noxious weeds. County weed boards may also designate additional noxious weeds if they pose a specific threat to that region.
Invasive weeds are those species that are not on the noxious weed list, but are nevertheless a problem. In eastern Washington, some of the most common invasive weeds in forests include knapweed, Dalmatian toadflax, and skeleton weed.
Managing weeds on your property
You can improve your property’s aesthetic values and ecological health by controlling noxious and invasive weeds. Here are some suggestions for success:
- Educate yourself on how to identify noxious and invasive weeds. Some websites with good weed photos and descriptions are listed below.
- Don’t buy invasive plants at nurseries. Noxious weeds cannot legally be sold at retail nurseries, but many nurseries carry highly invasive plants. Learn which are which and purchase accordingly. Garden Wise is an excellent guide to non-invasive plant choices for landscaping.
- Don’t dump potted plants in your forest. Many forests become invaded by landowners unintentionally introducing weedy plants in this way. Dispose of unwanted plant material in a compost pile or through your local yard waste disposal program.
- Use integrated pest management techniques to control weeds. Hand pulling, mowing, and chemical application each have their place for managing weed populations. Consult your local Noxious Weed Control Board for specific recommendations for your area and weed of concern.
- Control small, isolated patches of weeds first. Early detection and control is critical to keep newly invaded areas from becoming a larger problem. It requires much less effort and time to eradicate a small infestation than a large one.
- Replant areas where weeds have been removed and monitor for reinvasion. Nature abhors a vacuum, and weeds will re-establish on cleared ground quickly, either from root sprouts or newly germinating seeds. Plant native ground covers and shrubs, and check regularly for re-sprouting weeds.
Photo by: John Cardina, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org
Is this a weed or not?
The following on-line source will help you identify weeds on your property:
Other resources:
Weeds Gone Wild (NPS)
PLANTS database (USDA)
Heading using the h3tag
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