Invasive Plants

  • African Sumac

    African Sumac

    Also known as African tallowwood or simply Sumac, is an invasive plant species that has been causing ecological concerns in the southwestern United States.

  • Buffelgrass

    Buffelgrass

    Buffelgrass is a warm-season perennial grass that has been introduced into the southwestern United States and other arid regions worldwide.

  • Camelthorn

    Camelthorn

    Camelthorn (Alhagi maurorum), a resilient yet troublesome invasive plant species, has found its way into the arid landscapes of the southwestern United States. Originating from Eurasia and North Africa, this tenacious shrub has adapted to the region’s harsh conditions, showcasing both remarkable survival skills and ecological challenges.

  • Common Sow Thistle

    Common Sow Thistle

    Common Sow Thistle (Sonchus oleraceus) is believed to be native to Europe and has become an invasive species in various parts of the world, including North America.

  • Dalmatian Toadflax

    Dalmatian Toadflax

    Dalmatian Toadflax (Linaria dalmatica) is native to Southeastern Europe and Western Asia and has become an invasive species in North America.

  • Diffuse Knapweed

    Diffuse Knapweed

    Diffuse Knapweed is considered a problem due to its aggressive growth, rapid spread, and ability to outcompete native vegetation.

  • Fountain Grass

    Fountain Grass

    Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum) In 2020, Fountain Grass was listed as an Arizona Noxious Weed. This prohibits its sale or import into the state. Native to Africa and the Middle East, Fountain grass has been introduced to many parts of the world as an ornamental grass. Fountain Grass is expanding its range in Arizona and…

  • Fuller’s Teasel

    Fuller’s Teasel

    Fuller’s Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum), a striking and yet invasive plant species, has become a growing concern in the southwestern United States.

  • Giant Reed

    Giant Reed

    Giant Reed (Arundo donax), believed to be native to the Mediterranean region, has become an invasive species in various parts of the world, including the Southwestern United States.

  • Leafy Spurge

    Leafy Spurge

    Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula) is native to Europe and Asia and has become an invasive species in North America.

Revised Arizona Noxious Weed List – January 2020

The revised Arizona State Noxious Weed List became law on January 4, 2020. The updated rule is posted on the Arizona Dept of Agriculture website. The list and updated rules will appear in the Arizona Administrative Code with the first quarterly Code Supplement of 2020. A recent article by Patti Fenner was published in the Plant Press with more details.

— The SWVMA Noxious Weed Working Group
Patti Fenner, John Brock, John Scheuring and John Richardson