County weed boards are required by state law to publish listings before May 1.

“A noxious weed is usually designated as such because of its invasive role in the environment or area,” Maggi Mathews, assistant professor and agriculture/natural resources agent at the Utah State University Extension office for Weber and Morgan counties, explained in an email to the Standard-Examiner. “A main characteristic is that they spread fast and wide easily, taking over rangelands, natural areas or gardens quickly. Once they do so, they outcompete the native vegetation, taking resources such as water, sunlight, etc., leaving nothing for the plants we want to keep.”

Mathews added that noxious weeds may also be detrimental to public and/or wildlife health. Phragmites, dyer’s woad, myrtle spurge and puncturevine — also known as goatheads — are among the harmful species that are prevalent in Weber County.

Phragmites occur in wetlands, such as drainage ponds, irrigation ditches, banks and lakes, Mathews noted, and can be spread through waterways. Moreover, their roots dig deep and can spread beneath the soil, allowing them to absorb deep water unavailable to other plants.

“They thrive in these areas, using up the water that can otherwise be sent to the Great Salt Lake or be used agriculturally and recreationally,” Mathews said. “Water being such a big topic of importance in Utah, this plant is a focus of the whole state to try and keep under control. There is a huge loss of habitat and wildlife due to the establishment of phragmites.”

Phragmite burns are a common occurrence in the Beehive State as agencies work to limit the damage they cause. According to Mathews, USU is currently conducting studies on having cattle graze the phragmite population “with positive outcomes.”

Myrtle spurge, meanwhile, was originally introduced as a landscape plant, but it has become a nuisance for homeowners.

“In addition to their ability to rapidly spread and outcompete, the sap from these ones can also cause skin blisters and irritation, making it unsafe for children and pets. These ones can also be pulled up and thrown in the trash,” Mathews said.

The sharp, spiny fruit from puncturevine/goatheads can be painful for humans and animals alike, or even puncture tires. They can be found on trails and in gardens, per Mathews, and the plant “outcompetes crop and garden resources, leading to lower yields.”

“Because the burrs are sharp, they attach to shoes, pants, fur, etc. to spread. So, when you’re out hiking or in the garden, make sure you clean yourself and your animals off to prevent the infestation from spreading,” Mathews said. “This advice can really be taken for most types of noxious weeds in recreation or agriculture/gardening — make sure you clean your equipment and clothes to prevent spread.”

As its name suggests, dyer’s woad — identifiable by its bright yellow flowers — was brought to the United States for use in making dyes. It’s found on trails and in fields and, again, pushes out native vegetation.

It also inhibits the growth of pastures and rangelands for cattle, according to Mathews.

“This plant is so pretty that many people lobby to keep it, but the cons far outweigh the pros,” she added. “If you see this one out on your hike, it is super easy to pull up and throw in the trash, especially before fall, when the seeds develop and fall off.”

While the county and state work to control the spread of noxious weeds, residents also play a significant role by pulling their weeds or using appropriate herbicides. Mathews notes that Weber County Weed Control, USU Extension and local farm/country stores can be advised for best practices.

The presence of noxious weeds can be reported via the Weber County Weed Control website at https://www.webercountyutah.gov/weeds/. Weber County’s general notice of noxious weeds is viewable online at https://www.webercountyutah.gov/news/post.php?id=203.