What is a noxious weed?
Generally, the term weed is used to describe any plant that is unwanted and grows or spreads aggressively. The term exotic weed describes an invasive unwanted non-native plant. Terms such as invasive weed or noxious weed are used somewhat interchangeably to refer to weeds that infest large areas or cause economic and ecological damage to an area. The term noxious weed has legal ramifications in some states that maintain official lists of noxious weeds. What is considered a weed in one area may not be a weed in another. Native plants evolved over millions of years to fill unique ecological niches. What we know as weeds today (non-native, ecologically damaging plants) did not exist in the wilderness then. These plants developed in and are native to other countries. Like our native plants, they are kept in check in their native environment by insects or diseases and by competition with other species.
By definition of RCW 17.10.010, a noxious weed is a plant that, once established, is: Highly destructive Competitive or • Difficult to control using cultural or chemical (herbicide) practices In more specific terms, a noxious weed is a plant that was introduced to Washington State that is difficult to control and damaging to our economy and natural resources.
In California, biologists of the California Department of Food and Agriculture recommend plants for listing, after consultation with outside experts and the Agricultural Commissioners of California’s counties (CACs). If a plant is found to probably be “troublesome, aggressive, intrusive, detrimental, or destructive to agriculture, silviculture, or important native species, and difficult to control or eradicate”, the Department will designate the plant as a noxious weed. The CDFA (California Department of Food and Agriculture) has three main weed control programs: 1) Weed and Vertebrate Program which involves detection, control and containment or eradication of “A” rated noxious weeds; 2) for detection and eradication of the aquatic weed hydrilla, the Hydrilla Program; and, 3) Biocontrol Unit which focuses on the more widespread weeds in categories “B” and “C”. All weeds on California’s 130 plus noxious weed list have a rating. The overall rating system is NOT based on how bad a weed is
Noxious weeds have been divided into four (4) categories according to action needed for control, their extent and cost of control and the weeds importance. Definitions: W1 Weeds – Notifiable within 72 hours of detection. They are limited in distribution, pose a severe threat to agriculture, environment and community. W2 Weeds – Are a threat to agriculture, environment and community and have potential to spread. They must be fully and continously suppressed and destroyed. W3 Weeds – Have a similiar threat but are widespread. They must be prevented from spreading and its numbers and distribution reduced. W4 Weeds – Require special action or their control. Obligations and Penalties Every home owner, landowner, occupier or person(s) leasing or renting properties must be aware of their obligations and responsibilites to control noxious plants. The person(s) who has the care, control and use of the land is the occupier. They are resposible for the control of noxious plants. There are many ot
