Noxious Weeds
A noxious weed is a non-native plant that has been introduced, accidently or intentionally, into an environment and causes or is likely to cause environmental or economic harm.
We all depend on the existence of healthy ecosystems. Wyoming is noted for its abundant wildlife, clean water and diverse and largely undeveloped natural landscapes, the natural vegetation communities that evolved here are the basic fabric that holds the ecosystem together. Left unchecked, many noxious weeds have the potential to transform entire ecosystems as native species and those that depend on them for food, shelter and habitat, disappear.
So, you ask... Why should I care?
A noxious weed is a non-native plant that has been introduced, accidently or intentionally, into an environment and causes or is likely to cause environmental or economic harm.
We all depend on the existence of healthy ecosystems. Wyoming is noted for its abundant wildlife, clean water and diverse and largely undeveloped natural landscapes, the natural vegetation communities that evolved here are the basic fabric that holds the ecosystem together. Left unchecked, many noxious weeds have the potential to transform entire ecosystems as native species and those that depend on them for food, shelter and habitat, disappear.
So, you ask... Why should I care?
- Noxious weeds are gaining a foothold on almost all private and public lands in Wyoming.
- Left unchecked, they will limit many uses on lands now and for future generations.
- Noxious weed species negatively alter water systems, wildlife habitat, agriculture, and recreation areas forever.
- The longer we ignore the problem, the more expensive it will be to manage and eradication becomes less and less likely.
State Designated Weeds and Pests is a list of weeds and pests that are considered to be of such detriment to the state that each is designated by resolution of the board and the Weed and Pest Council.
County Declared Weeds or Pests are considered to be of a detriment to a particular district.
County Declared Weeds or Pests are considered to be of a detriment to a particular district.
Leafy spurge
The first step in any control program is identification of the problem!
Should you have difficulty or questions in identifying a plant we will be very happy to help you!
Should you have difficulty or questions in identifying a plant we will be very happy to help you!
Tips for plant ID
Every plant species has special characteristics that distinguish it from other plants. When trying to identify plants look at:
Flowers- color and shape
Leaves- shape, color, size, veins and margins
Growth Type- is it a bush or single stem
Special Characteristics- hairs, thorns, spines, spots, anything that stands out about the plant.
Please bring in a complete fresh plant (no mold or broken into bits), that includes stem(s) the roots (as many as possible) leaves and flowers (when available) and a photo of where the plant was found if possible. The more information you bring us, the more quickly and accurate the identification will be.
This plant can be identified by the following:
FLOWERING PARTS are present, bracts are smooth and pale green.
LEAVES are deep toothed and grayish green at the base, and leaves farther up the stem are narrow and smooth.
STEM and leaves are covered in short, stiff hairs; often look silvery in color.
ROOTS are black.
This is RUSSIAN KNAPWEED, identified by the information the complete sample supplies.
FLOWERING PARTS are present, bracts are smooth and pale green.
LEAVES are deep toothed and grayish green at the base, and leaves farther up the stem are narrow and smooth.
STEM and leaves are covered in short, stiff hairs; often look silvery in color.
ROOTS are black.
This is RUSSIAN KNAPWEED, identified by the information the complete sample supplies.