top of page

INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES

Invasive species are plants, either aquatic or terrestrial, that are not native to Minnesota. These species also cause economic, environmental and social harm to native species or can cause harm to human health. Check out the Minnesota DNR Page for loads of information about invasive species in Minnesota. 

​

​

pictures of Canada Thistle
pictures of Wild Parsnip
pictures of Purple Loosestrife

Canada Thistle credit: MN DOT

Wild Parsnip credit: MN DOT

Purple Loosestrife credit: MN DOT

TERRESTRIAL INVASIVE SPECIES

Terrestrial invasive species are plant species that are found on land. Some of the invasive species that can be found in Le Sueur County include:

  • ​Canada Thistle

  • Common or European Buckthorn

  • Purple Loosestrife

  • Wild Parsnip

  • Poison Hemlock

  • Wild Carrot / Queen Anne's Lace

  • Garlic Mustard

  • White & Yellow Sweet Clover

​

Click here to view the MN Department of Transportation (DOT) book for information, identification and management of species that are regulated by the Noxious Weed Law. Keep in mind that the regulatory status of some species may change, so it's important to consult the Noxious Weed List for the most up-to-date list.

​

Early detection and a quick response can be very important to control the spread of invasive species in Minnesota. One way to do this is to report what you see. The DNR has a page, which can be found here, that explains the steps of what to do for terrestrial plants. 

AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES

Aquatic invasive species are species that are found in or near the water. In Le Sueur County, we have the following waterbodies on the DNR List of Infested Waters:

  • East Jefferson (Eurasian Watermilfoil)

  • Frances (Eurasian Watermilfoil)

  • German (Eurasian Watermilfoil)

  • Horseshoe (Flowering Rush)

  • Jefferson (Eurasian Watermilfoil)

  • Middle Jefferson (Eurasian Watermilfoil)

  • Ray's (Eurasian Watermilfoil)

  • Sunfish (Eurasian Watermilfoil)

  • Swede's Bay (Eurasian Watermilfoil)

  • Tetonka (Eurasian Watermilfoil)

  • Tustin (Eurasian Watermilfoil)

  • Upper Sakatah (Eurasian Watermilfoil & Flowering Rush)

  • West Jefferson (Eurasian Watermilfoil)

​

What can you do to help prevent the spread of these aquatic hitchhikers? Clean aquatic plants off of your boat and trailer. Drain water from your boat, tanks, wells and bait containers when leaving an access. Dispose of unwanted bait in the garbage. Learn more here, on the DNR Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Page. 

bottom of page