| Town of Vernon, Waukesha County, State of Wisconsin Weeds Status Definitions |
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| Noxious Weeds - a class of weeds that must be destroyed. |
| Nuisance Weeds - a class of weeds that are prohibited to be cultivated or sold. |
| Restricted Weeds - a class of weeds that should be voluntarily destroyed by the landowner and not allowed to escape to neighboring lands. |
| The Weed Ordinance is designed to protect agricultural land, natural ecosystems, and public health. |
| The Town of Vernon approved a Weed Ordinance on February 18, 2010. This ordinance addresses Noxious Weeds and Nuisance Weeds. |
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The Town of Vernon on February 18, 2010 assigned extra duties to the weed commissioner as such: "The Town Board directs the Weed Commissioner to assume the duty of 1. notifying Town residents about restricted weeds and newly introduced invasive plants found on their land, and 2. to recommend a best land management practice to control these weeds from escaping to neighboring lands (this may include natural landscaping and rain gardens)." |
| Photograph Noxious Weed |
Genus species
Description and comments |
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| Cirsium arvense Common Name: = Canada Thistle (USDA). Family: = Asteraceae. Wisconsin Status: Noxious Weed. NR40 Restricted state-wide. Exotic to Wisconsin. It is invasive in Wisconsin. Invasive to entire US except southeast.
Town of Vernon Status: Noxious Weed. Common along road ditches in Town. Occasionally abundant on newly developed lots and in abandoned fields. Considered invasive. Desc: Pink flat topped flower head, flowers 0.5 inches wide. Plant height 2 to 4 feet tall, spiny. Typical phenology plant height is 1st week of May = 3 inches, 2nd week of May = 6 inches, 3rd week of May = 12 inches, 4th week of May = 18 inches, 1st week of June flower buds forming. Blooms in mid to late June. Recommended treatment: In small infestations, hand pull or cut basal rosettes in early May. In large infestations, mow and spot treat with solution of 2% Round Up. Spot treat in early May. Mow in early June and every 4 weeks July through October. Cut at least 3 times each season. Hand cutting or mowing will weaken the weeds root system and temporarily reduce the spread of this plant. After cutting, some plants will re-sprout. Hand cut or mow immediately if flower heads appear to form. Do not mow if mature seed heads were allowed to form, this will spread the seed. Dispose of by burning or place in clear plastic for disposal in landfill (special DNR exemption). Large infestations may take 5 or more years of treatment to effectively control.
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| Future image | Convolvulus arvensis Common Name: = Field Bindweed (USDA). Family: = Convolvulaceae. Wisconsin Status: Noxious Weed. Not listed in NR40. Exotic to Wisconsin. It is invasive in south and east Wisconsin. Invasive to entire US.
Town of Vernon Status: Noxious Weed. Not abundant in Town. Desc: Pinkish white 5-parted funnel flowers, 0.7 inches long. Herbaceous vine 3 feet long, small bracts well below flower. Recommended treatment: In small infestations, hand pull or cut. In large infestations, spot treat with solution of 2% Round Up. Cut and spot treat in late April and May. Dispose of by burning or place in clear plastic for disposal in landfill (special DNR exemption).
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| Future image | Euphorbia esula Common Name: = Leafy Spurge (USDA). Family: = Euphorbiaceae. Wisconsin Status: Noxious Weed. NR40 Restricted state-wide. Exotic to Wisconsin. It is invasive in Wisconsin. Invasive to entire US except southeast.
Town of Vernon Status: Noxious Weed. Common along road ditches in Town. Occasionally abundant in abandoned fields. Considered invasive. Desc: Yellow green flowers in May, milky white sap (skin rash). Plant height 1 to 2 feet tall, alternate leaves. Found in open sunny fields. Blooms early June. Recommended treatment: In small infestations, use solution of 2% Round Up. Spray in late April and again in June. In large infestations, repeated applications of Imazapic (also called Plateau) may be necessary (seek advice from DNR). Mowing is not effective in killing this plant. However, mowing down the flower stalks in June will reduce its spread. Dispose of by burning or place in clear plastic for disposal in landfill (special DNR exemption).
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| Photograph Nusiance Weed |
Genus species
Description and comments |
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| Future image | Lythrum salicaria Common Name: = Purple Loosestrife (USDA). Family: = Lythraceae. Wisconsin Status: Nuisance Weed. NR40 Restricted state-wide. All Lythrum by statute, but only Lythrum salicaria is an introduced invasive plant here. Lythrum alatum is a native species. It is invasive in southern Wisconsin. Invasive to entire US except southeast.
Town of Vernon Status: Nuisance Weed. Common near shorelines and waterways in Town. Desc: Purple 6-parted spike flowers, inflorescense 8 to 16 inches. Plant height 2 to 4 feet tall, emergent forb. |
| Future image | Rosa multiflora Common Name: = Multiflora Rose (USDA). Family: = Rosaceae. Wisconsin Status: Nuisance Weed. NR40 Restricted state-wide. Exotic to Wisconsin. Invasive southern Wisconsin. Invasive to entire US except mountain states.
Town of Vernon Status: Nuisance Weed. Not abundant in Town. Desc: White 5-parted flowers, flowers 1 inch wide, very prickly stem. Plant arching 5 to 10 feet wide, nasty. Avoid thorns. Recommended treatment: Cut leaf stem and apply a solution of 10% Round Up directly to the cut. Treat in April or May, and re-inspect the plants in 10 days. Re-treat if necessary. Alternatively, treat foliage with 2% Fosamine solution in July. Cutting alone is ineffective to kill this plant, it will re-sprout from the cut base. Dispose of by burning or place in clear plastic for disposal in landfill (special DNR exemption).
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| Photograph Restricted Weed |
Genus species
Description and comments |
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Alliaria petiolata Common Name: = Garlic Mustard (USDA). Family: = Brassicsaceae. Exotic to Wisconsin. Invasive southern Wisconsin. Invasive to entire US except southern states. Wisconsin Status: NR40 Restricted state-wide.
Town of Vernon Status: Restricted Weed. Abundant in woodlands in Town. Desc: Biennial forb, 24 to 36 inches tall. Triangle shaped leaves along spike topped with many small white, 4 parted, flowers. Recommended treatment: Hand pull if weed is in small number. Dispose of by burning or place in clear plastic for disposal in landfill (special DNR exemption). In large infestation, use solution of 2% Round Up. Spray in late April and again in October when native plants are dormant. Article published in Mukwonago Chief by Tom Krischan, "Local wildflowers threatened by weed" (.pdf) Article published by UW Extension, Alliaria petiolata X1081 (.pdf) |
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Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common Name: = Common Ragweed (WI), Annual Ragweed (USDA). Family: = Asteraceae. Native to Wisconsin. Invasive throughout Wisconsin. Invasive to entire US. Wisconsin Status: No Status. Not listed in NR40.
Town of Vernon Status: Restricted Weed. Common in disturbed sites, new subdivisions, and old fields in Town. Desc: Annual forb, 24 to 36 inches tall. Feathery fern like leaves. Flowers in 6 inch tall inflorescence of small green bell shaped flower heads. Blooms in September. Pollen causes allergy in many people with symptoms of sneezing an watery eyes. Often blooms when goldenrod is in flower, goldenrod pollen is too heavy to be air borne. Goldenrod is not the plant causing fall allergies, it's ragweed. image 07-15-2008 Recommended Treatment: Hand pull this plant. |
| Future image | Ambrosia trifida Common Name: = Giant Ragweed (WI), Great Ragweed (USDA). Family: = Asteraceae. Native to Wisconsin. Invasive throughout Wisconsin. Invasive to entire US. Wisconsin Status: No Status. Not listed in NR40.
Town of Vernon Status: Restricted Weed. Common in disturbed sites, new subdivisions, and old fields in Town. Desc: Annual forb, 3 to 6 feet tall (or taller). Leaves are palmately divided into 3 (or occasionally 5) lobes. Flowers in many 10 inch tall inflorescence of small green bell shaped flower heads. Blooms in September. Pollen causes allergy in many people with symptoms of sneezing an watery eyes. Often blooms when goldenrod is in flower, goldenrod pollen is too heavy to be air borne. Goldenrod is not the plant causing fall allergies, it's ragweed. Recommended Treatment: Hand pull this plant. |
| Epipactis helleborine Common Name: = Broadleaf Helleborine (USDA). Family: = Orchidaceae. Exotic to Wisconsin. Invasive in extreme eastern Wisconsin. Invasive to entire northeast US. Wisconsin Status: NR40 Restricted state-wide.
Town of Vernon Status: Restricted Weed. New outbreak in Town. First reported in woodlands in Town by Dr. T. Krischan 2007 to WI-DNR. This is first report in Waukesha county. Desc: Perennial forb, 12 to 18 inches tall. Alternate and clasping leaves on erect stem. Dull green flower with purple veins 6 parted. Recommended Treatment: Hand pull this plant. |
| Future image | Rhamnus cathartica Common Name: = European Buckthorn (WI), Common Buckthorn (USDA). Family: = Rhamnaceae. Exotic to Wisconsin. Invasive throughout Wisconsin. Invasive to entire US, except southern states. Wisconsin Status: NR40 Restricted state-wide.
Town of Vernon Status: Restricted Weed. Abundant in woodlands Town. Desc: Perennial shrub, or small tree, 3 to 20 feet tall. Leaves oval with toothed edge, dullish green. Dark, almost black, fruit eaten by birds and seeds are redistributed widely through area. Recommended treatment: Cut leaf stem and apply a solution of 10% Round Up directly to the cut. Treat in April or May, and re-inspect the plants in 10 days. Re-treat if necessary. Cutting alone is ineffective to kill this plant, it will re-sprout from the cut base. Dispose of by burning or place in clear plastic for disposal in landfill (special DNR exemption).
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| Photograph No Status |
Genus species
Description and comments |
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Carduus nutans Common Name: = Musk Thistle (WI). Nodding Plumeless Thistle (USDA). Family: = Asteraceae. Wisconsin Status: NR40 Restricted state-wide. Exotic to Wisconsin. It is invasive in Wisconsin.
Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Common in old fields in Town. Considered invasive. Desc: Pink nodding flower head, flowers solitary, 2-3 inches wide. Leaves deeply lobed, stems spiny and winged. Plant height 2 to 5 feet tall, spiny. Blooms July. Recommended treatment: In small infestations, hand pull or cut basal rosettes in early May. In large infestations, mow and spot treat with solution of 2% Round Up. Spot treat in early May. Hand cut or mow in mid June and every 4 weeks July through October. Cut at least 3 times each season. Hand cutting or mowing will reduce the spread of this plant. After cutting, some plants will re-sprout. Hand cut or mow immediately if flower heads appear to form. Dispose of by burning or place in clear plastic for disposal in landfill (special DNR exemption). This plant is biennial and reproduces only from seed. One year of persistent cutting and not letting this plant set seed, will produce a dramatic decline of weeds next year. This plant can be effectively eliminated after 1 or 2 years of timely cutting.
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Cirsium vulgare Common Name: = Bull Thistle (USDA). Family: = Asteraceae. Wisconsin Status: No Status. Not listed in NR40. Exotic to Wisconsin. It is invasive in Wisconsin.
Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Common in old fields in Town. Considered invasive. Desc: Purple flower head, flowers mostly solitary, 1.5 inches wide. Leaves and flower head very spiny. Blooms July. Recommended treatment: In small infestations, hand pull or cut basal rosettes in early May. In large infestations, mow and spot treat with solution of 2% Round Up. Spot treat in early May. Hand cut or mow in mid June and every 4 weeks July through October. Cut at least 3 times each season. Hand cutting or mowing will reduce the spread of this plant. After cutting, some plants will re-sprout. Hand cut or mow immediately if flower heads appear to form. Dispose of by burning or place in clear plastic for disposal in landfill (special DNR exemption). This plant is biennial and reproduces only from seed. One year of persistent cutting and not letting this plant set seed, will produce a dramatic decline of weeds next year. This plant can be effectively eliminated after 1 or 2 years of timely cutting.
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Sonchus arvensis Common Name: = Sow Thistle. Family: = Asteraceae. Wisconsin Status: No Status. Not listed in NR40. Exotic to Wisconsin. It is invasive in Wisconsin.
Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Common in old fields in Town. Desc: Yellow flower head, flowers clustered, 0.5 inches wide. Spiny leaves clasping stem. Plant height 1 to 2 feet tall, spiny. Blooms July. Recommended treatment: In small infestations, hand pull or cut in mid May and again in early June. Cut at least 2 times, 10 days apart, on or before the 1st week of June. In large infestations, spot treat with solution of 2% Round Up. Spot treat in mid May through mid June. Hand cutting will reduce the spread of this plant. Dispose of by burning or place in clear plastic for disposal in landfill (special DNR exemption). This plant is perennial and reproduces from seed and vegetative growth. One year of persistent cutting and not letting this plant set seed, will produce a dramatic decline of weeds next year. This plant can be effectively eliminated after 1 or 2 years of timely cutting.
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Toxicodendron radicans Common Name: = Poison Ivy (USDA). Family: = Anacardiaceae. Wisconsin Status: No Status. Not listed in NR40. This is a native plant and is not considered invasive in Wisconsin.
Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Common in woodlands in Town. Desc: Climbing woody vine. Leaves 3 parted. Causes allergic reaction in form of skin rash in many people. Avoid. |
| Future image | Arctium minus Common Name: = Lesser Burdock (USDA). Family: = Asteraceae. Wisconsin Status: No Status. Not listed in NR40.
Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Found in Town. Common on abandoned lots and fields in Town. Considered invasive. Desc: Pink flower head, 1 inch in diameter. Stalkless flower head held in leaf axil. Large heart shaped leaves. Blooms in July. |
| Future image | Daucus carota Common Name: = Queen Anne's Lace (USDA). Family: = Apiaceae. Wisconsin Status: No Status. Not listed in NR40. It is invasive in Wisconsin.
Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Found in Town. Common on abandoned lots and fields in Town. Considered invasive. Desc: White umbel shaped (umbrella like) inflorescence. Individual flowers 5 parted. Feathery and pinnately divided leaves. Blooms in June. |
| Future image | Pastinaca sativa Common Name: = Wild Parsnip (USDA). Family: = Apiaceae. Wisconsin Status: No Status. NR40 Restricted state-wide.
Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Not found in Town. Typically found in sunny wet areas and along stream banks. Considered invasive. Desc: Yellow umbel shaped (umbrella like) inflorescence. Individual flowers 5 parted. Pinnately divided leaves. Tall plant, 4 to 5 feet high. Blooms in June. Causes skin irritation, rash. Avoid. |
| Future image | Abutilon theophrasti Common Name: = Velvetleaf (USDA). Family: = Malvaceae. Wisconsin Status: No Status. Not listed in NR40.
Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Found in Town. Common on agricultural lands. Annual. Desc: Erect, 3 to 4 feet tall. Heart shaped leaves. Yellow orange flowers, 5 parted. Blooms in July. |
| Future image | Lonicera morrowii Common Name: = Morrow Honeysuckle (USDA). Family: = Caprifoliaceae. Wisconsin Status: NR40 Restricted state-wide.
Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Found in Town. Abundant in woodlands throughout Town. Considered invasive. Desc: Woodland shrub, 4 to 8 feet tall. White flowers. Blooms in June. Recommended treatment: Cut leaf stem and apply a solution of 10% Round Up directly to the cut. Treat in April or May, and re-inspect the plants in 10 days. Re-treat if necessary. Cutting alone is ineffective to kill this plant, it will re-sprout from the cut base. Dispose of by burning. Article published by Invasive Plant Association of Wisconsin, "Honeysuckle Identification and Control" (.pdf)
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| Future image | Lonicera tatarica Common Name: = Tartarian Honeysuckle (USDA). Family: = Caprifoliaceae. Wisconsin Status: NR40 Restricted state-wide.
Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Found in Town. Abundant in woodlands throughout Town. Considered invasive. Desc: Woodland shrub, 4 to 8 feet tall. Pink and white flowers. Blooms in June. Recommended treatment: Cut leaf stem and apply a solution of 10% Round Up directly to the cut. Treat in April or May, and re-inspect the plants in 10 days. Re-treat if necessary. Cutting alone is ineffective to kill this plant, it will re-sprout from the cut base. Dispose of by burning. Article published by Invasive Plant Association of Wisconsin, "Honeysuckle Identification and Control" (.pdf)
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| Future image | Lonicera x bella Common Name: = Showy Bush Honeysuckle (WI), Showy Fly Honeysuckle (USDA). Family: = Caprifoliaceae. Wisconsin Status: NR40 Restricted state-wide.
Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Found in Town. Abundant in woodlands throughout Town. Considered invasive. Desc: Hybrid of Lonicera morrowii x Lonicera tatarica. Woodland shrub, 4 to 8 feet tall. Red to reddish pink flowers. Blooms in June. Recommended treatment: Cut leaf stem and apply a solution of 10% Round Up directly to the cut. Treat in April or May, and re-inspect the plants in 10 days. Re-treat if necessary. Cutting alone is ineffective to kill this plant, it will re-sprout from the cut base. Dispose of by burning.
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| Photograph No Status |
Genus species
Description and comments |
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Cerastium fontanum subspecies vulgare (synonym: Cerastium vulgatum) Common Name: = Big Mouse-ear Chickweed (WI), Big Chickweed (USDA). Family: = Caryophyllaceae. Wisconsin Status: No Status. Exotic to Wisconsin. It is a noxious weed in 0 states. It is not invasive in Wisconsin. Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Common in lawns and abandoned fields in Town. Not considered invasive. Undesirable. Desc: White 5-part flower, each petal is deeply lobed. Sepals green, not lobed. Flowers are tiny, 0.1 inch diameter. Plant short, 1 to 2 inches tall, creeping. Stems are hairy. Normally infests lawns and newly disturbed areas. Blooms in late April and throughout summer. |
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Cyperus esculentus Common Name: = Field Nutsedge (WI), Yellow Nutsedge (USDA). Family: = Cyperaceae. Wisconsin Status: No Status. Noxious weed in 5 states. The Wisconsin State Herbarium considers this plant native to Wisconsin, USDA considers it exotic. It is not invasive in Wisconsin. Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Common in lawns and abandoned fields in Town. Not considered invasive. Undesirable. Desc: Thin bladed sedge, usually 8 to 15 inches tall. Remains mostly green throughout winter with only leaf tip dieback. |
| Future image | Lamium amplexicaule Common Name: = Henbit (USDA). Family: = Lamiaceae. Wisconsin Status: No Status. Exotic to Wisconsin. Noxious weed in 0 states. It is not invasive in Wisconsin. Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Common in disturbed sites in Town. Not considered invasive. Undesirable. Desc: Winter annual. Square stem (mint), red. Leaves opposite, clasping. Flowers pink, sessile. Blooms in April. |
| Future image | Hackelia virginiana Common Name: = Beggarslice (USDA). Family: = Boraginaceae. Wisconsin Status: No Status. Native to Wisconsin. Noxious weed in 0 states. It is not invasive in Wisconsin. Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Common in disturbed sites in Town. Not considered invasive. Undesirable. Desc: Biennial. Small white flowers forming round sticky seeds that stick to clothing. Upper leaves narrow. Blooms in August. |
| Future image | Erechtites hieracifolia Common Name: = American burnweed (USDA). Family: = Asteraceae. Wisconsin Status: No Status. Native to Wisconsin. Noxious weed in 0 states. It is not invasive in Wisconsin. Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Common in disturbed sites in Town. Not considered invasive. Undesirable. Desc: Annual. Yellowish white flowers forming fluffy seedhead. Leaves alternate, lobed, edge sharply toothed. Blooms in August. |
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Conyza canadensis (additional images) Common Name: = Canadian Horseweed (USDA). Family: = Asteraceae. Wisconsin Status: No Status. Native to Wisconsin. Native to entire US. Noxious weed in 0 states. It is not invasive in Wisconsin. Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Common in disturbed sites in Town. Not considered invasive. Undesirable. Desc: Winter Annual/Biennial. Seedlings form rosettes that over winter, bolts during next summer. Small pinkish white flowers, fluffy seedheads. Plant erect, 4-5 feet tall. Blooms in August. |
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Veronica arvensis (additional images) Common Name: = Corn Speedwell (USDA). Family: = Scrophulariaceae. Wisconsin Status: No Status. Exotic to Wisconsin. Exotic to entire US. Noxious weed in 0 states. It is not invasive in Wisconsin. Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Common in disturbed sites and lawns in Town. Not considered invasive. Undesirable. Desc: Annual. Small blue flowers. Plant semi erect, 1-6 inches tall. Blooms in May. |
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Chamaesyce maculata (synonym: Euphorbia maculata) (additional images) Common Name: = Spotted Sandmat (USDA). Family: = Euphorbiaceae. Wisconsin Status: No Status. Native to Wisconsin. Native to entire US. Noxious weed in 0 states. It is not invasive in Wisconsin. Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Common in disturbed sites and lawns in Town. Not considered invasive. Undesirable. Desc: Annual. Creme white flowers. Plant grows in circular mat, 8-14 inches long. Blooms in May - August. |
| Photograph No Status |
Genus species
Description and comments |
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| Future image | Polygonum cuspidatum Common Name: = Japanese Knotweed (USDA). Family: = Polygonaceae. Wisconsin Status: No Status. Noxious weed in 8 states. Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Not found in Town. Typically found in woodlands. Considered invasive. Desc: Woodland shrub, 4 to 8 feet tall. White flower clusters. Individual flowers 5 parted. Leaves alternate, 6 inches long, oval with pointed tip. Blooms in June. |
| Future image | Sorghum halepense Common Name: = Johnsongrass (USDA). Family: = Poaceae. Wisconsin Status: No Status. Noxious weed in 19 states. Town of Vernon Status: No Status. Not found in Town. Typically found in open fields. Potentially invasive. Pollen may cause hay fever allergy. Desc: Tall grass, 4 to 6 feet tall. Glossy green leaves with distinct white midvein. Flower panicle open, 1 to 1.5 feet long. Rapidly expanding rhizomes forms thick colony. |
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| Frequently Asked Questions / Weed Removal Information (click on link). |
| Town of Vernon Weed Ordinance (click on link). |
| Neighboring Area / Other Weed Commissioners (click on link). |
| Noxious Weeds Violations in Town (click on link). |
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