A weed is a plant that you, or someone else, doesn't want growing in a certain location. 

There are three types of weeds: noxious, poisonous and obnoxious.

•  The noxious weeds are non-natives, invasive and harm the environment and/or agricultural production.  These weeds are regulated for control.
•  Poisonous weeds are toxic to one or more species of livestock and/or humans.  Factors that determine toxicity include species and growth stage of livestock, time of year, age of plant, growing conditions, amount consumed, plant species, livestock health and what else is consumed.
•  Obnoxious weeds are those that we just don't want to see (i.e. dandelions in our lawns).
• Weed control should start with identification of the weed and why it is growing there.  Bare soil and nutrients out of balance are usually the reasons why a weed survives. 

The following pictures are some weeds that you should look out for and, if possible, eradicate from your pastures.

Canada Thistle - very invasive perennial.

Tansy Ragwort - poisonous, biennial.

For more information on Noxious weeds in Island County and to see the complete Noxious Weed list, go to Island County Noxious Weed Control Board

You can also read the newsletter from the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board to find out about activities and weed issues state wide.