What does it mean to be a noxious weed? 

First things first, what is a noxious weed? And why do we care? “Noxious weed” is a legal designation. To become a noxious weed a plant must meet 4 criteria. 

1. Introduced to Washington state 

2. Spread beyond where they are planted

3. Create harm where introduced

4. Difficult to control​

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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. Chances are several of those are relevant to your life! 

Anyone can nominate a species, but only the state Noxious Weed Control Board decides which plants are noxious. They also decide where they should be controlled based on how widespread they are. County Noxious Weed Boards can select additional species to educate about on a more local level, but do not have the power to select weeds for designated control without state approval (more on this below).