Noxious Weeds

Noxious weeds are a major concern throughout Idaho because they pose a serious threat to the health of wildlife habitat and recreation areas, as well as to pastures and croplands. Noxious weeds are dangerous because they produce a lot of seed and have few natural competitors. Once established, noxious weeds spread quickly and overtake desirable plant communities. At their current rate of spread (estimated at 14 percent per year), noxious weed populations in Idaho are expected to double in less than six years.

Currently, it is unknown how many acres of invasive or noxious weeds occupy the public lands managed by the Pocatello Field Office (PFO), but weeds can be found in all vegetation types. Thirty-one species of invasive or noxious weeds currently pose a problem in the PFO. The table below describes the noxious weeds that occur in the PFO, in priority order.

How You Can Help

You can help prevent the spread of noxious weeds by taking simple steps while exploring and enjoying public lands. Recreationists and other public land users should be able to identify noxious weeds, understand their danger, and take actions to prevent their spread. Boaters, for example, should clean boats and trailers, while campers and hikers should check all clothes and camping gear for seeds and clean the undersides of their cars.

If a noxious weed is spotted on public lands, it is important to pull the weed up by the roots, dispose of all parts in a plastic bag and report its location and description to the nearest BLM Field Office or Forest Service. By taking preventative action, Pocatello will be able to maintain healthy rivers and wildlife habitats for years to come.

Growth Form and Treatment Method for Priority Invasive/Noxious and Exotic Weed Species
Priority Number	Common Weed Name	Growth Form*	Treatment Method**
1	Tamarisk	P	1, 11, 111
2	Rush skeleton weed	P	1, 11, 111
3	Yellow starthistle	P; SP	1, 11, 111
4	Jointed goatgrass	A	1
5	Buffalobur	A	1, 11
6	Dame's rocket	B; SP	1, 11
7	Perennial pepperweed	P	1
8	Puncturevine (goathead)	A	1, 11
9	Yellow toadflax	P	1
10	Poison hemlock	B	1, 11
11	Diffuse knapweed	B; SP	1, 11, 111
12	Dyers woad	B; SP	1, 11, 111
13	Spotted knapweed	B; SP	1, 11, 111
14	Leafy spurge	P	1, 111
15	Perennial sowthistle	P	1
16	Bulbous bluegrass	P	1
17	Japanese brome	A	1
18	Cheatgrass	A	1
19	Russian knapweed	P	1
20	Dalmatian toadflax	P	1, 111
21	Whitetop (hoary cress)	P	1, 111
22	Black henbane	B	1, 11
23	Hound's tongue	A; B	1, 11
24	Scotch thistle	B	1, 11
25	Field bindweed	P	1
26	Canada thistle	P	1, 111
27	Musk thistle	A; B	1, 11, 111
28	Halogeton	A	1, 11, 111
29	Russian olive	P	1, 11
30	Siberian elm	P	1, 11
31	Bull thistle	B	1, 11
*  A = annual; B = biennial; P = perennial; SP = short-lived perennial ** 1 = chemical; 11 = mechanical; 111 = biological

Pocatello Field Office | 4350 Cliffs Drive | Pocatello, ID 83204
208-478-6340 | Fax: 208-478-6376 | Office hours: 7:45am - 4:30pm,