
To control and eradicate noxious weeds in Minnesota, you'll need to take a multi-step approach. First, identify the type of weed you're dealing with, as different species have different control methods.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture recommends using herbicides as a control method for certain noxious weeds, such as leafy spurge and Canada thistle. However, herbicides must be applied carefully to avoid harming other plants and the environment.
Before applying herbicides, make sure to read and follow the label instructions carefully. This will help prevent accidental exposure and ensure the herbicide is used effectively.
If you're not comfortable using herbicides, there are other control methods available, such as mowing or digging up the weeds. However, these methods may need to be repeated multiple times to be effective.
Discover more: Strawberry Plant Weed Control
Regulations and Laws
In Minnesota, noxious weeds are regulated by law to prevent their spread and minimize harm.
The "specially regulated plants" category includes noxious weeds that may be native species or nonnative species with economic value, but also have the potential to cause harm. These plants have been determined to pose ecological, economical, or human or animal health concerns.
For example, the Amur corktree is a specially regulated plant that can only be sold as named male cultivars, and all existing planted and escaped fruit-producing trees must be controlled to prevent seed dissemination.
The "prohibited-eradicate noxious weeds" category includes plants that must be eradicated on all lands within the state. These plants are not currently known to be present in Minnesota or are not widely established, but are considered a threat to invade the state.
Some examples of prohibited-eradicate noxious weeds include Black swallow-wort, Brown knapweed, and Giant hogweed, which are not known to be in Minnesota but have been determined to be a threat to invade the state.
The "prohibited-control noxious weeds" category includes plants that must be controlled on all lands within the state. These plants are already established throughout the state or regions of the state, and must be controlled to prevent their spread.
Some examples of prohibited-control noxious weeds include Canada thistle, which has been on the list since 1872, and Wild parsnip, which was added to the list in 2010.
Here is a list of some of the noxious weeds in each category:
It's essential to familiarize yourself with the regulations and laws regarding noxious weeds in Minnesota to avoid inadvertently spreading them.
Lists and Classifications
The State of Minnesota has a specific list of noxious weeds that are considered detrimental to human or animal health, the environment, public roads, crops, livestock, or other property. These noxious weeds are designated by the Commissioner of Agriculture into five categories: Prohibited Eradicate, Prohibited Control, Restricted, Specially Regulated, and County Noxious Weeds.
The Commissioner of Agriculture updates the official noxious weed list every three years on the Noxious Weed List webpage. This list includes annual, biennial, or perennial plants that are considered noxious weeds.
Noxious weeds are categorized based on their potential impact and feasibility of control. The Restricted Noxious Weeds category includes plants that are widely distributed in Minnesota and are not feasible to eradicate or control using existing practices.
Here is a list of some Restricted Noxious Weeds in Minnesota:
Some Japanese barberry cultivars are banned from sale in Minnesota, including 'Anderson', 'Angel Wings', 'Antares', and 'Bailgreen'.
County and Federal
County and Federal noxious weeds in Minnesota are regulated by different authorities. Each county board designates its own county noxious weeds, which must be approved by the Commissioner of Agriculture and posted by May 15th each year.
Counties are responsible for developing their own noxious weed lists and enforcing them. If you have questions or want to see a current listing of county noxious weeds, contact your County Agricultural Inspector or County Designated Employee.
Federal noxious weeds, on the other hand, are selected and enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and can be reported to the local Animal Plant Health Inspection Service Office (APHIS) in Minneapolis, MN. You can also view a list of federal noxious weeds and information about the federal weed program on the USDA APHIS website.
Prohibited Control
You can't transport the propagating parts of these weeds, except in specific circumstances allowed under section 18.82. This is a crucial rule to follow, as it helps prevent the spread of these invasive species.

Here are some examples of prohibited-control noxious weeds, listed in the order they were added to the list:
These weeds are a significant threat to Minnesota's ecosystems, and controlling them is essential to prevent their spread.
County
County boards are responsible for designating County Noxious Weeds within their jurisdiction. They must submit new proposals to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for review.
Each county board develops its own list of County Noxious Weeds and is solely responsible for enforcement. You can contact your County Agricultural Inspector or County Designated Employee for more information.
County Noxious Weeds are plants that are prohibited within the county and must be approved by the Commissioner of Agriculture. They are posted with the county's general weed notice prior to May 15th each year.
Bull Thistle, Kochia, and Musk Thistle have been approved as County-Listed Noxious Weeds in Clay County. You can contact your county agricultural inspector for more information.
Counties are responsible for controlling or eradicating noxious weeds on land they occupy or are required to maintain. Control or eradication can be accomplished by any lawful method.
Federal

Federal noxious weeds are a serious concern in Minnesota, and there's a list of them that can be viewed on the USDA APHIS website.
These weeds are selected and enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and can be reported to the local Animal Plant Health Inspection Service Office (APHIS) in Minneapolis, MN.
If you suspect you've found a federal noxious weed, you can report it to the MDA Noxious and Invasive Weed Program.
Federal noxious weeds are prohibited in Minnesota, so it's essential to know what to look out for and report them promptly.
You can find more information about the federal weed program on the USDA APHIS website.
Permits and Notifications
A permit is required to transport noxious weed propagating parts, which is issued by local weed inspectors or county agricultural inspectors. This permit ensures that the spread of noxious weeds is prevented during transport.
To obtain a permit, you must agree to prevent the spread of noxious weeds during transport and control or destroy propagating parts at the destination. A permit can be valid for a year or more after the date issued, but can be revoked if an inspector determines noncompliance by the permit holder.
You may not need a permit if you're transporting noxious weeds directly to an approved disposal site and the load is protected to prevent spread.
Permit to Transport Propagating Parts

If you need to transport noxious weed propagating parts, you'll need to obtain a permit.
This permit is issued by local weed inspectors or county agricultural inspectors.
The permit's conditions include preventing the spread of noxious weed propagating parts during transport and controlling or destroying them at the destination.
A permit can be valid for a year or more after the date issued.
However, a permit can be revoked if an inspector determines noncompliance by the permit holder.
If you're transporting noxious weeds in the most direct manner to an approved disposal site and the load is protected to prevent the spread of noxious weed propagating parts, a permit is not required.
Some noxious weeds are prohibited from being controlled, and their transportation is also prohibited. These include:
- Bohemian knotweed (Polygonum x bohemicum)
- Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense)
- Common barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
- Common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
- Giant knotweed (Polygonum sachalinese)
- Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)
- Leafy spurge (Euphorbia virgata and E. esula)
- Meadow knapweed (Centaurea x moncktonii)
- Narrowleaf bittercress (Cardamine impatiens)
- Non-native phragmites (Phragmites australis ssp. australis)
- Plumeless thistle (Carduus acanthoides)
- Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum)
- Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
- Round leaf bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)
- Spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe ssp. micranthos)
- Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa, except for non-wild cultivated varieties)
These prohibited-control noxious weeds must be controlled on all lands within the state, and their propagating parts cannot be transported, propagated, or sold.
Notice to Control or Eradicate

If you're a landowner or occupant in Minnesota, you need to be aware of the state's noxious weed laws. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 18.83, Subdivision 1 (2009), all persons in Clay County, Minnesota, are required to control or eradicate all noxious weeds on land they occupy or are required to maintain.
You can accomplish this by any lawful method, but it's essential to repeat the method as needed to prevent the spread of viable noxious weed seeds and other propagating parts to other lands. Failure to comply with this notice may result in an individual notice being issued.
You can obtain a list of designated noxious weeds and the members of the Appeal Committee from your County Agricultural Inspector or County-Designated Employee. Local Weed Inspectors, such as township supervisors, city mayors, or their appointed assistants, can also provide this information.
The following noxious weeds are designated as County-Listed Noxious Weeds in Clay County: Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare), Kochia (Bassia scoparia L.), and Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans). Contact your county agricultural inspector for more information regarding County Noxious Weeds.

Here's a list of prohibited-eradicate noxious weeds that must be eradicated on all lands within the state:
These prohibited-eradicate noxious weeds are not currently known to be present in Minnesota or are not widely established in the state, and all must be eradicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you dispose of noxious weeds?
Dispose of noxious weeds by solarizing them in the sun to kill seeds and roots, then throw them away with regular trash. This method ensures the invasive material can't spread further.
Are forget me nots invasive in MN?
Forget me nots (Myosotis scorpioides) are not native to Minnesota but have become naturalized in the state, and are considered an invasive weed by some neighboring states. They can be found in eight eastern Minnesota counties.
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