'Noxious weed' is the traditional, legal term for any invasive, non-native plant that threatens agricultural crops, local ecosystems or fish and wildlife habitat. The term ‘noxious weeds’ includes non-native grasses, flowering plants, shrubs and trees. It also includes aquatic plants that invade wetlands, rivers, lakes and shorelines.

About half of all invasive, noxious weeds are escapees from gardens; the rest are plants accidentally introduced to Washington through human travel and trade.

Washington State recognizes the negative impact of noxious weeds and has created laws to prevent and control infestations. 

The Benton County Noxious Weed Control Board (BCNWCB) can help you identify, develop and implement control methods to eradicate and prevent the spread of noxious weeds.