Kansas Changes State Noxious Weed List
Beginning in May 2026, updates to the Kansas Noxious Weed List will take effect following an extensive process led by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. The changes update weed designations and control methods, impacting landowners, county governments and others responsible for managing land across the state.
The updates include revisions to the official list of noxious weeds and their classifications. Changes include the removal of pignut from the list and the addition of several species across three categories: spotted knapweed and diffuse knapweed have been added as Category A noxious weeds; common teasel and cutleaf teasel have been added as Category B noxious weeds; and Amur honeysuckle has been added as a Category C noxious weed.
These updates are based on weed risk assessments from the state Noxious Weed Advisory Committee, which reviews noxious weed classifications and control strategies and provides guidance to the Secretary of Agriculture. This strategy for determining which weeds are declared noxious is meant to identify invasive weeds before they become a problem statewide.
Kansas classifies noxious weeds into three categories based on their presence and level of threat. Category A weeds are not widely established in the state and are targeted for eradication. Category B weeds are present in certain areas and require control to prevent further spread. Category C weeds are more widespread and are managed to reduce their impact over time.
The KDA plant protection and weed control program works closely with county weed directors as key partners in the state’s management of noxious weeds. In addition to the state’s Noxious Weed List, other species may be designated as county option weeds. Check with your county weed department to know whether other species have been designated as noxious in your county.
Under Kansas law, landowners and individuals responsible for managing land are required to control designated noxious weeds using approved control methods. These changes may require some landowners and local governments to implement management practices for newly listed species. These new weeds are now eligible for reduced cost herbicides through local county weed departments.
While there may be costs associated with herbicide use or other control measures, effective weed management can improve land productivity, increase crop and forage yield, enhance overall property value, and reduce future costs of weed control if invasive weeds continue to spread.
More information about the Kansas Noxious Weed Control Program, including full details on the updated list and management requirements, is available at the Kansas Department of Agriculture website: www.agriculture.ks.gov/NoxiousWeeds. For local guidance, landowners should contact their county weed director; a list of weed directors across the state can be found on the County Weed Directors Association of Kansas website at www.cwdak.org.
