Weeds are an ambiguous class of plants, as there is no official definition of what weeds are regarding specific species.
The typical feature of a weed is that a human doesn’t like it where it is currently growing. Certain native plants can be considered weeds just as well as invasive or non-native plant species.
Milkweed, a native plant, is largely regarded as a weed when growing in a pasture or hay meadow, but when grown in a pollinator garden or wild landscape they are beneficial plants.
Non-native and invasive plants are trickier as many of our horticultural and agricultural plants are introduced and desirable.
Russian sage is planted in many yards around Archuleta County and hailed in xeriscaping and is native to Asia. The spiny tumbleweed, Russian thistle, thrives in drought conditions and yet no one would be willing to plant it in their yards.
Invasive plant species share characteristics such as: high seed production, methods of long distance dispersal, long seed viability and are introduced to a region by humans.
Whorled milkweed and Canada thistle can be compared as a native and invasive species, and both can be considered weedy. Both plants have wind dispersed seeds and spread by rhizomes. Whorled milkweed will not outcompete plants in the same way that Canada thistle does, but it is highly toxic. Many ranchers and hay producers will manage milkweed because of its toxicity. Canada thistle is classified as a noxious weed in Colorado and many other states.
“Noxious weed” is a legal definition meaning that a plant is required to be managed in a certain area. In Colorado, all landowners both public and private must manage noxious weeds on their property.
The list is comprised of about 70 plants, which are divided into A, B, and C sub-lists. A is the highest management priority and C is the lowest. While noxious does mean toxic, when discussing “noxious weeds,” it does not denote toxicity.
Getting back to defining a weed in your own property, if it’s not a noxious weed, it’s up to you to decide. Your property goals will likely dictate what plant is considered a weed. If you want a lush turf lawn (not recommended in our arid climate), then everything other than the single species of grass planted is a weed. If you want a natural, native prairie-type of lawn, then native wildflowers and multiple grass species will be desirable, while non-native and invasive plants will be considered weeds.
Archuleta County Weed and Pest is your local resource for managing noxious weed populations and controlling other pests.
Email list
Do you want to be added to our email distribution list to learn about upcoming programs and the latest resources? Email cindi.galabota@colostate.edu to be added to our list.
Or, to learn more about the many programs, resources and services offered by CSU Extension, visit https://extension.colostate.edu.
Seed potatoes, seed onions for sale
Seed potatoes and seed onions are for sale. Place your order today for Colorado certified and non-GMO seed potatoes. Five varieties of potatoes are available.
Order by April 30 and pick up your potatoes May 12, 13 and 14 at the CSU Extension Office. Visit archuleta.extension.colostate.edu or call (970) 264-5931to learn more and place your order today.
Learn to can jam
Learn to can raspberry jam on April 16 at 5:30 p.m. at CSU Extension office. The cost is $25 per person/couple for one jar of jam. Learn all the latest food safety preservation practices. Call (970) 264-5931 to register today.
CPR and first aid classes
CPR and first aid certification classes are offered every other month at the CSU Extension building, generally on the third Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m. The cost for the classes is $80 for combined CPR/first aid and $55 for CPR, first aid or recertification. Call the Extension office at (970) 264-5931 to register.
Check out the online option on our website, archuleta.extension.colostate.edu.
Join the fair board
Join the Archuleta County Fair Board and make history. Be a part of preserving the rich heritage and timeless tradition of the Archuleta County Fair and help plan the 75th anniversary Fair in 2026.
You’ll contribute to an annual tradition that brings our community together, supports local agriculture and creates lasting memories for generations to come. To learn more, contact Tonya Steadmon at tsteadmon@archuletacounty.gov or (970) 264-5931.
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