Aggressive, Noxious and Invasive Weeds
Aggressive, invasive, noxious or weedy - what do all these terms mean?
These words are often used interchangeably, but knowing the difference may help reduce your workload and improve the environment.
Weed usually refers to a plant out of place. This could be a dandelion in the lawn or a coneflower that seeded into the middle of your daylilies.
Aggressive plants are bullies that crowd out their timid neighbors. They’ll take over the entire garden bed if left unchecked.
Invasive plants do the same but also leave the garden and invade our natural eco-systems. They crowd out native plants that birds, insects and wildlife depend upon. Do not purchase and consider removing invasive plants from your landscape.
Noxious weeds are plants that have been identified as harmful to people, animals, crops, livestock and the environment and should be removed.
A bit more information: As you have guessed, some plants fit all these categories. Knowing a plant’s growth habit, rate of growth and invasive potential can help you make better plant purchases and prioritize removal of less desirable plants. Invasive plants can vary from region to region. Visit USDA National Invasive Species Information Center and Invasive Plant Atlas to find out more about invasive plants in your area.
Related
Categories
Upcoming Webinars & Appearances
Feb. 8, 2023
WEBINAR:
Indoor Container Garden Design & Display Ideas
Register now
Feb. 10-12, 2023
PBS Wisconsin
Garden & Landscape EXPO
Madison, Wisconsin
Feb. 15, 2023
WEBINAR:
10 Tips for Growing Better Dahlias!
Register now
Feb. 17-19, 2023
NARI Milwaukee Spring Home Improvement Show
West Allis, Wisconsin
Feb. 22, 2023
WEBINAR:
Grow Beautiful Water Gardens
Register now
March 1, 2023
WEBINAR:
How and When to Prune Shrubs
Register now
March 4, 2023
Milwaukee Public Libraries
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
March 8, 2023
WEBINAR:
Grow Your Own Flowers for Bouquets
Register Now
March 11, 2023
Home, Lawn & Garden Day
Bloomington, Illinois
Watch Melinda's past webinars ON DEMAND
Learn More