Noxious Weed Control Board

Knotweeds

Weed of the Month for October
--follow the link on the left

What are Noxious Weeds?

Washington’s noxious weeds are non-native plants that are invasive, competitive and very hard to control once established.  They lower property values, decrease agricultural production, degrade wildlife habitat, threaten our native plants, reduce enjoyment of recreational areas and create public health hazards.

Noxious weeds are everybody’s problem—they impact homeowners, farmers, environmentalists, tourists, public land managers and elected officials.  Noxious weeds easily cross ownership boundaries so it is important that we all work together to control them.

Who Decides What is a Noxious Weed?

Every year the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board puts out a State Weed List.  Weeds are divided into three classes.  Class A Weeds are ones which are not yet widespread in Washington but could have serious impacts if they became established.  State law requires eradication of all Class A weeds.  Class B Weeds are prevalent in some parts of the state and less so in others; control is required in designated areas.  Class C Weeds are ones which are already widespread; control is encouraged but not required.  However, counties can select Class B or C Weeds and require control within their own county.

Who Should Control Noxious Weeds?

State Weed Law says that control of noxious weeds is the landowner’s responsibility.  However, staff of the Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Program are available to assist landowners with noxious weed identification and control options. We also have tools that can help with weed removal. Feel free to call our office (360-379-5610 ext 205) with your questions about noxious weeds, or email us at: noxiousweeds@co.jefferson.wa.us

What are Some Problem Weeds in the County?

• Poison hemlock is a highly toxic plant which is extremely common in Port Townsend.  It has fern-like leaves, white flowers that bloom from June onwards and it can grow 10-12 feet tall.
   

• Tansy ragwort is also toxic and is very common on roadsides and in meadows across the county.  It has ruffled-looking dark-green leaves, bright yellow flowers that start to appear in July and it usually grows 4 to 6 feet tall.
   

• Knotweeds (several different species) are a real problem on waterways where they crowd out native plants and seriously impact habitat for fish and wildlife.
   

• Scotch broom is very prevalent on many roadsides.  It crowds out native plants, is a potential fire hazard, and can cause allergies in some people.  The Noxious Weed Control Board has several Weed Wrenches that make pulling Scotch broom much easier.  These are available for loan—call 360-379-5610 ext 205 or email noxiousweeds@co.jefferson.wa.us to check on availability.
   

• Knapweeds (meadow and spotted) are a problem on roadsides and particularly in pastures.  Livestock do not like to eat them so they spread and gradually reduce the amount of grass or other forage crops.
   

• Canada thistle is also very common on roadsides and in pastures.  It is very invasive and crowds out native plants and agricultural crops.

HOME | COUNTY INFO | DEPARTMENTS | SEARCH

Best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
Windows - Mac