what are noxious weeds?

These are a set of prohibited plants as defined by Madison General Ordinance 23.29.

Noxious weeds must be destroyed in a manner that will prevent the plants from maturing to the bloom or flower stage.

 

how do I destroy noxious weeds?

You may pull, mow, or otherwise remove them. Certain invasive species can be bagged and placed into the trash.

If you elect to use herbicides, please choose ones that are pollinator-safe and use them in accordance to their label.

 

what do I do if a neighbor or vacant lot has noxious weeds and won't take care of them?

Use the report-a-problem system to send in a report.

The appropriate agency will investigate the situation and take the next appropriate steps.

 

Which weeds are considered noxious weeds in the ordinance?

• Poison Ivy (Rhus toxicodendron and Toxicodendron radicans (sometimes called Radicans toxicodendron) and Rhus radicans)

• Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

• Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula L.)

• Giant Hogweed (Heraclelum mantegazzianum Sommier & Levier)

• Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.)

• Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.)

• Plumeless Thistle (AKA Spiny Plumeless Thistle) (Carduus acanthoides L.)

• Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans)

• European Marsh Thistle (Cirsium palustre)

• Common Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum L.)

• Cutleaf Teasel (Dipsacus laciniatus)

• Non-native Purple Loosestrife and its hybrids (Lythrum salicaria)

• Japanese Knotweed (AKA Japanese bamboo, Mexican bamboo, Japanese fleece flower, crimson beauty, Reynoutria, Hancock's curse) (Polygonum cuspidatum or Fallopia japonica)

• Ditch Reed (AKA Common Reed Grass, Giant Reed) (Phragmites australis)