Noxious, Invasive and Poisonous Plant Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture administers the Noxious Weed Control Law and Noxious Weed Control List and implements federal and state eradication and control programs when a noxious weed of limited distribution in the commonwealth is targeted by federal or state funding for suppression, control or eradication.

Poisonous plant identification and information is also provided by the Department and the Department houses and maintains the State Herbarium.  Poisonous Plants of Pennsylvania Publications are available

• A form to obtain a copy of the Poisonous Plant Manual of PA is available on this site (or)
• For a reproduction of the Manual go to University of Pennsylvania Poisonous Plant Home Page 

Articles and additional information to identify the 13 Pennsylvania Noxious Weeds on the Control List are available under the publications section of this program.  The weeds are listed by their common names and also the scientific names.  

Bull Thistle or Spear Thistle - Cirsium Vulgare 

Canada Thistle - Cirsium Arvense

Giant Hogweed - Heracleum Mantegazzianum (Active Field Program)

Goatsrue - Galega Officinalis (Active Field Program)

Jimsonweed - Datura Stramonium

Johnson Grass - Sorghum Halepense

Kudzu-Vine - Pueraria Lobata  (Active Field Program)

Marijuana - Cannabis Sativa

Mile-a-Minute - Polygonum Perfoliatum (Active Field Program)

Multiflora Rose - Rosa Multiflora

Musk Thistle or Nodding Thistle - Carduus Nutans

Purple Loosestrife - Lythrum Salicaria (Active Field Program)

Shattercane - Sorghum Bicolor

Questions regarding the control programs should be directed to the contact listed below or the nearest PDA Regional Office. 

For additional information on invasive species of concern in Pennsylvania, please visit the Pennsylvania Invasive Species Council (PISC) site.

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