Six new plants, trees added to Minnesota's 'noxious weed' list

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has announced that six weeds have been added to the state's "noxious weeds" list.

The list is updated three years, and identifies weeds that may be harmful to public health, the environment, roads, crops, livestock or other property.

Weeds are placed into four categories: Prohibited Eradicate, Prohibited Control, Restricted, and Specially Regulated (definitions below).

Here are the new additions to the list:

Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), which is categorized as Prohibited Eradicate.

Bohemian knotweed (Polygonum x bohemicum) which is designated as Prohibited Control.

Siberian peashrub (Caragana arborescens), which categorized as Restricted (with an exemption for the Green Spires Caragana).

European alder (Alnus glutinosa), which is Restricted.

Norway maple (Acer platanoides), which is designated as Specially Regulated

Winged burning bush (Euonymus alatus), which is Specially Regulated.

The MDA says Prohibited Eradicate species are considered a serious threat and the state's highest priority noxious weeds. All parts of the plant both above and below ground must be destroyed.

Prohibited control weeds are found in higher populations than Eradicate species, but must be stopped before the weeds mature and spread through seeds, cuttings and other plant parts.

Restricted weeds are widely found in Minnesota, with landowners who find them encouraged to manage them, though can't be forced to under state law.

And Specially Regulated plants are either native or have potential to cause harm in non-managed landscapes. The MDA says special steps must be taken to minimize their harm.

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There have been three existing weeds on the noxious list that have changed their designation.

Japanese knotweed and giant knotweed are now considered Prohibited Control, having previously been Specially Regulated.

Meanwhile Tree of heaven has been moved from Restricted to Prohibited Eradicate, so much be destroyed if you have one on your property.