What are noxious weeds?
The Minnesota Noxious Weed Law (MN Statutes 18.75-18.91) defines a noxious weed as an annual, biennial, or perennial plant that the Commissioner of Agriculture designates to be injurious to public health, the environment, public roads, corps, livestock, or other property.
Currently, Minnesota has listed plants species as noxious weeds that have been listed under three categories. Eighteen plant species are listed as prohibited noxious weeds which consist of two regulatory lists– eight species are on the prohibited eradicate list and ten species are on the prohibited control list. Prohibited noxious weeds must be eradicated or controlled by landowners in accordance with the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law. Three species are listed as restricted noxious weeds and are prohibited from importation, sale, and transportation in Minnesota. One species, poison ivy, is listed as a specially regulated plant that can be enforced under specific conditions.
What are invasive weeds?
In general, most weeds are invasive. However, due to the increased use of the term invasive species in our culture today, the MDA Noxious and Invasive Weed Program uses the term invasive plant to describe plant species that are not listed as statewide noxious weeds and have great potential to spread if not managed immediately. In most cases, invasive plant problems are managed through cooperative efforts and extensive education and outreach programs.
How to report noxious and invasive weeds?
If you want to report a known location of a prohibited noxious weed, contact the County Agricultural Inspectors & Designated Employees for the county where the weed population is located. Describe to the best of your abilities what noxious weed(s) it is, the exact location of the population, and approximately how big the population is. The County Agricultural Inspector is the highest enforcement authority within the county for noxious weed issues.
If you would like to report the location of an invasive plant that is not listed as a noxious weed, you can also report this information to your County Agricultural Inspector/County Designated Employee or you can call the MDA's Arrest the Pest Hotline: 1-888-545-6684.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weed Biological Control
Where do I find general information about weed biological programs?
Biological control is available for leafy spurge (MDA), spotted knapweed (MDA), and purple loosestrife (DNR). General information is available at:
Who do I talk with for more information or to request bioagents?
What other weed biocontrol projects are in development for Minnesota?
- Garlic mustard (DNR project)
- Buckthorn (DNR project)
- Common tansy (joint Canadian and MDA coordinated project)
MDA Contact
Anthony Cortilet
Anthony.Cortilet@state.mn.us
651-201-6538
Monika Chandler
Monika.Chandler@state.mn.us
651-201-6537
Noxious & Invasive Weed Program
Plant Protection Division
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