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Problem Weeds

The weeds listed below are considered problem weeds.

Arundo

Giant Reed
(Arundo donax)
This bamboo-like plant can grow up to 30 feet high. It out competes native species, destroying riparian habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Fountain Grass

Fountain Grass
(Pennisetum setaceum)
Perennial grass up to 5 feet tall with feathery flowerheads. Competes with native plants and increases fire hazard.
Halogeton Halogeton
(Halogeton glomeratus)
Annual herb usually 6-12 inches tall. Can quickly invade and prevent native plants from returning to disturbed sites. Poisonous to livestock, especially sheep
Perennial Peppercress Perennial Peppercress
(Lepidium latifolium)
A perennial that grows up to 6 feet tall with extensively creeping roots that can penetrate up to 10 feet deep. Plants are highly competitive and typically form dense colonies.
Puncture Vine Puncture Vine
(Tribulus terrestris)
Sometimes known as "goat head", this plant is low-growing and mat-forming, with small leaflets and 1/2" wide yellow flowers. Trailing stems may reach 1 to 6 feet long. Hard spiny burrs about 1/2" wide develop after flowering.
Russian Thistle Russian Thistle
(Salsola tragus)
An annual spherical shrub up to 5 feet high and wide. Tolerates salty soils. When mature, it detaches from its roots and becomes a "tumbleweed".
Sahara Mustard Sahara Mustard
(Brassica tournefortii)
Abundant annual weed growing up to 3.5 feet high. Suppresses native wildflowers and increases fire hazard in desert scrub.
Salt Cedar Salt Cedar
(Tamarix ramosissima)
Deciduous shrub or tree averaging 15 feet but often taller. Abundant near water sources. Uses far more water than native plant species and impedes natives by concentrating salt near top of the soil. Known to cause flood problems and reduce wildlife habitat.
Spanish Broom Spanish Broom
(Spartium junceum)
A perennial, evergreen shrub that can reach 6 to 10 feet tall. Distinguishing characteristics include the round stems, the simple one-parted leaves, and the fragrant bright yellow flowers.
Tree of Heaven Tree of Heaven
(Ailanthus altissima)
Deciduous tree 30-60 feet tall. Displaces native plants, especially in riparian areas. Rapidly growing tree, extremely tolerant of poor soil conditions and can even grow in cement cracks.
White Horsenettle White Horsenettle
(Solanum elaehnifolium)
Approximately 3 feet tall with prickly stems. It is known to harbor various plant diseases and is toxic if eaten.
Yellow Starthistle Yellow Starthistle
(Centaurea solstitialis)
Can grow to 6 feet high, with large thorns. It is one of the most serious rangeland weeds. Extremely hazardous to horses if eaten.