Noxious Weeds
These are a set of prohibited plants as defined by Madison General Ordinance 23.29(link is external).
Noxious weeds must be destroyed in a manner that will prevent the plants from maturing to the bloom or flower stage.
Destroy Noxious Weeds
You may pull, mow, or otherwise remove them. Certain invasive species(link is external) can be bagged and placed into the trash if it is regulated by the Wisconsin DNR.
If you elect to use herbicides, please choose ones that are pollinator-safe and use them as directed on the label.
Neighbor Has Noxious Weeds?
Use the report-a-problem system to send in a report.
Building Inspection will investigate the situation and take the next appropriate steps.
List of Noxious Weeds, per MGO 23.29
- Poison Ivy(link is external) (Rhus toxicodendron and Toxicodendron radicans (sometimes called Radicans toxicodendron) and Rhus radicans)
- Stinging Nettle(link is external) (Urtica dioica)
- Leafy Spurge(link is external) (Euphorbia esula L.)
- Giant Hogweed(link is external) (Heraclelum mantegazzianum Sommier & Levier)
- Wild Parsnip(link is external) (Pastinaca sativa L.)
- Canada Thistle(link is external) (Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.)
- Plumeless Thistle(link is external) (AKA Spiny Plumeless Thistle) (Carduus acanthoides L.)
- Musk Thistle(link is external) (Carduus nutans)
- European Marsh Thistle(link is external) (Cirsium palustre)
- Common Teasel(link is external) (Dipsacus fullonum L.)
- Cutleaf Teasel(link is external) (Dipsacus laciniatus)
- Non-native Purple Loosestrife(link is external) and its hybrids (Lythrum salicaria)
- Japanese Knotweed (link is external)(AKA Japanese bamboo, Mexican bamboo, Japanese fleece flower, crimson beauty, Reynoutria, Hancock's curse) (Polygonum cuspidatum or Fallopia japonica)
- Ditch Reed(link is external) (AKA Common Reed Grass, Giant Reed) (Phragmites australis)