Dear Eartha, I was admiring the flowers in my yard the other day when a friend told me some of them are actually noxious weeds! How can I tell what’s what—and why are noxious weeds such a big deal? 

Ah yes — spring in Summit County. The trails are muddy, the skis are stashed and garden gloves are making their seasonal debut. Whether you’re an expert green thumb or just someone who likes to dig in the dirt, this time of year is all about embracing the burst of life that follows winter’s long nap. 

But before you start handing out awards to the most colorful plants in your yard, let’s pump the brakes. Not everything that’s leafy and lush is a winner. In fact, some of those “lovely” blooms may be plotting a hostile takeover of your garden— and beyond. 

Let’s talk about noxious weeds. Despite the slightly dramatic name, these aren’t just pesky dandelions or that weird mystery plant that shows up every June. Noxious weeds are officially designated by the state as invasive, non-native plants that threaten our ecosystems, agriculture, and even water supplies. 

Not all weeds wear black hats 

First, the good news: not every unfamiliar plant is a noxious weed. But the tricky part is that many noxious weeds are sneaky. Some have pretty purple flowers, delicate leaves, or appealing symmetry that might make you think they belong in a bouquet. Spoiler alert: they don’t. 

One common offender is oxeye daisy — that dainty, white flower with a yellow center you might mistake for a wildflower. Another big troublemaker is Canada thistle, which looks like a fluffy purple puffball but spreads like wildfire. And then there’s musk thistle, which has such a punk-rock look that it might as well wear a leather jacket. It’s cool looking — until it takes over your whole yard. 

Why should you care? 

Besides the fact that they can make your landscaping look like a botanical battleground, noxious weeds are a real threat to native plant life. These aggressive plants outcompete the locals for water, nutrients and space. They’re like the party guests who drink all your wine, eat the snacks and never leave. 

Worse still, many of them spread by root or seed in ways that make your average dandelion look lazy. Some can shoot out thousands of seeds that hitch a ride on shoes, paws, or the breeze and boom — what was once a single plant is now a full-blown invasion. 

Noxious weeds also reduce habitat for native wildlife and can contribute to soil erosion and increased wildfire risk. So yeah, they’re more than just a gardening nuisance. 

So, what can you do? 

First thing’s first: get yourself familiar with the usual suspects. Summit County provides a handy noxious weed identification guide that includes photos, descriptions, and tips for removal (check out the county’s “Weed Control” page online). It’s like a “most wanted” poster for your yard. 

If you spot a noxious weed, don’t just yank it and toss it in your compost pile. Many of these plants can regrow from root fragments or spread seeds after being pulled. Instead, contact Summit County Weed Control to inquire about the best method of eradication for each weed species. 

And if your yard’s weed situation feels overwhelming, don’t panic. You can hire licensed contractors to help you identify noxious weeds and create a plan of attack. You’re not in this alone—there’s an entire squad of weed warriors ready to help. 

Helpful hints for prevention 

The best way to keep noxious weeds at bay is to crowd them out with healthy, native vegetation. Bare patches of soil are like vacant lots for weeds — if you build it, they will come. Reseed with native grasses and wildflowers, mulch when you can and keep an eye on any disturbed areas. 

And don’t forget to check your hiking boots, bike tires and your dog’s fur for hitchhiking seeds after your outdoor adventures. You might unknowingly be spreading invaders like a botanical Johnny Appleseed. 

In summary

Noxious weeds may be sneaky, but you’ve got the upper hand now. With a little plant sleuthing, proper disposal, and preventative care, you can help protect your yard — and the rest of Summit County — from these unwanted intruders. 

Now get out there, channel your inner weed detective and show those invasive plants who’s boss. 

Ask Eartha Steward is written by the staff at High Country Conservation Center, a nonprofit dedicated to waste reduction and resource conservation. Submit questions to Eartha at info@highcountryconservation.org.