Noxious weeds are especially problematic weeds. They possess one or more of the following attributes:
The Federal Noxious Weed Law (1974) controls the importation of weed species into the United States. Most states also have their own noxious weed laws. The goal of this Bulletin 866-98 is to aid in the identification of Ohio's noxious weeds.
Ohio has several laws governing weed control. For a brief guide to these laws, see page 23. According to Ohio regulations, county and township officials may regulate noxious weeds on private property and public roadways. Authorities may issue a written notice to eradicate noxious weeds which are spreading or about to set seed. Upon receiving the notice, a resident has five days to comply or the weeds may be removed at the resident's expense.
If you are concerned that noxious weed species may be on your property, this Bulletin 866-98 may help you identify them. Your county Extension office also may help you make a positive identification of these weeds. Weed control options are not provided in this Bulletin 866-98 because they change with the crop or situation. A list of OSU Bulletin 866-98s with weed control recommendations is provided on page 23. Your Extension agent also can suggest the best way to eradicate a noxious weed problem.
| Wild Mustard | Brassica kaber var. pinnatifida |
| Musk Thistle (Nodding Thistle) | Carduus nutans |
| Oxeye Daisy | Leucanthemum vulgare |
| Canada Thistle | Cirsium arvense |
| Poison Hemlock | Conium maculatum |
| Wild Carrot (Queen Annes Lace) | Daucus carota |
| Purple Loosestrife | Lythrum salicaria |
| Wild Parsnip | Pastinaca sativa |
| Mile-a-Minute Weed | Polygonum perfoliatum |
| Russian Thistle | Salsola iberica |
| Cressleaf Groundsel | Senecio glabellus |
| Shattercane | Sorghum bicolor |
| Johnsongrass | Sorghum halepense |
| Grapevines (abandoned) | Vitis spp. |
* List current as of October, 1998