Invasive Herbaceous Species

These courses represent key species which pose a significant threat to natural resources. Completing these training courses will provide you with the knowledge to identify and report these important threats.

Baby's Breath

Perennial, finely branched and a member of the Pink (Caryophyllaceae) family. It is commonly cultivated for cut and dry floral arrangements. It is also often included in wildflower seed mixes.

Bishop's Goutweed

Rhizomatous, herbaceous, creeping perennial that is a member of the Carrot (Apiaceae) family. It was introduced to North America as an ornamental.


Bull Thistle

Biennial or sometimes annual or monocarpic perennial that is a member of the Aster (Asteraceae) family. This species is listed as a prohibited noxious weed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

Coltsfoot

Tall, perennial herb that is a member of the Aster (Asteraceae) family. It has large basal leaves and a purple, scaly-bracted stem.

Canada Thistle

Perennial and rhizomatous member of the Aster (Asteraceae) family. It was introduced to North America from Europe in the early 1600s. This species is listed as a prohibited noxious weed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

Cutleaf Teasel

Biennial and monocarpic member of the Teasel (Dipsacaceae) family. It was introduced to North America as early as the 1700s and first cultivated in Onondaga County, New York.

Dame's Rocket

Showy, biennial or short-lived perennial that is a member of the Mustard (Brassicaceae) family. It was introduced in wildflower mixes and in some areas, has been present at low levels for many years.

European Swamp Thistle

Herbaceous biennial that is a member of the Aster (Asteraceae) family. It's small flowers/seed heads and spiny stems distinguish it from other thistles and is best surveyed in summer and fall.

Garlic Mustard

Upright, herbaceous biennial that is a member of the Mustard (Brassicaceae) family. All parts smell like garlic when crushed, especially in spring and early summer. It can dominate the ground layer of forests to the exclusion of almost all other herbaceous species. It will also destroy mycorrhizal fungi needed by woody plants for regeneration.

Giant Hogweed

Extremely tall biennial or short-lived perennial that is a member of the Carrot (Apiaceae) family. This species has been listed as a noxious weed under federal law and is also prohibited under Michigan law.