Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board

About the Washington State Noxious Weed List

To protect our State's resources and economy, the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board creates an annual Noxious Weed List of the most serious invasive plants (WAC-16-750). This list separates the noxious weeds into three categories, based on the distribution and threat each plant poses in Washington State.
	Class A Noxious Weeds: Non-native species that are limited in distribution in Washington. State law requires that these weeds be eradicated. To see the Class A Noxious Weeds, please go here.
	Class B Noxious Weeds: Non-native species that are either absent from or limited in distribution in some portions of the state but very abundant in other areas. The goals are to contain the plants where they are already widespread and prevent their spread into new areas. To learn more and to see the Class B Noxious Weeds, please go here.
	Class C Noxious Weeds: Non-native plants that are already widespread in Washington State. Counties can choose to enforce control, or they can educate residents about controlling these noxious weeds. To see the Class C Noxious Weeds, please go here.
	Monitor List: There is also a list of non-native plant species of concern, listed for several reasons: They are new invaders to Washington and have the potential to become problematic here They have recently been removed from the Weed List but we want to stay on the lookout to make sure the noxious weeds do not make a return invasion They are non-native species that have been here awhile and behaving fine but have suddenly started to ispread or become problematic Putting plants on the Monitor List allows us to gather more information about them, such as their distribution in the State, observable impacts, spread rate, etc. Each Monitor species has a sponsor, who has volunteered to watch populations of the plant and gather useful information. We welcome additional information and especially sightings. If you think you have seen a monitor plant, please contact its sponsor or us directly at noxiousweeds@agr.wa.gov. The Board also maintains a monitor list of non-native species. The purpose of the MONITOR LIST is to gather more information on suspect weeds, as well as monitor for occurrence, or spread. Information collected may be used to justify future inclusion on the state noxious weed list. There is no legal or regulatory aspect to this list (WAC 16-750-025).

Each year, the State Noxious Weed Control Board adopts, by rule, the State Noxious Weed List. This list determines which plants will be considered noxious weeds, and where control will be required in Washington State. This approach allows control activities of land owners - both public and private - to be prioritized towards the protection and enhancement of Washington's agriculture and natural areas in the most cost-effective manner.

Please follow this link to learn how weeds are listed, and how you can participate in the listing process.
Not sure if you have a noxious weed? Go here to get some online help identifying noxious weeds.

New! Search Noxious Weeds by scientific name:

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