Plants

Sandhills

Download the current weed watch list

Identification Tools

The following are plant species that are considered invasive to Nebraska, and present specifically in the Sandhills ecoregion. This includes the counties of Arthur, Blaine, Brown, Cherry, Garden, Garfield, Grant, Holt, Hooker, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Rock, Sheridan, Thomas, and Wheeler.

Click any photo below to learn more about these species and what you can do to help.

Future Invasive Plants

Species not known to exist in each ecoregion, but pose a significant risk if introduced

Priority Invasive Plants

Species are top priority for eradication for new and existing populations

State Noxious Weed

The term "noxious" means to be harmful or destructive, and is the legal term used to denote a destructive or harmful pest for the purpose of regulation. When a specific pest is determined to pose a serious threat to the economic, social, or aesthetic well-being of the residents of the state, it may be declared noxious by the Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Landowners can face fines if a noxious weed is not controlled on their property.

County Noxious Weed

The term "noxious" means to be harmful or destructive, and is the legal term used to denote a destructive or harmful pest for the purpose of regulation. When a specific pest is determined to pose a serious threat to the economic, social, or aesthetic well-being of the residents of the state, it may be declared noxious by the Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Landowners can face fines if a noxious weed is not controlled on their property.

Established Invasive Plants

Species are established and prevention of spread to new areas is a priority

Absinth Wormwood

Absinth Wormwood

Artemisia absinthium L.

Perennial forb found in roadsides that can spread from infested hay onto farmsteads.

Learn More

Mixedgrass Prairie
Priority for Reporting
Shortgrass Prairie
Priority for Reporting
Sandhills
Priority for Reporting
Tallgrass Prairie
Priority for Reporting
Autumn Olive

Autumn Olive

Elaeagnus umbellata

Learn More

Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Black Knapweed

Black Knapweed

Centaurea moncktonii

Out-competes other plants in pastures, hayfields, meadows, riparian areas, forest margins, and rights-of-way.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
Priority for Reporting
Sandhills
Priority for Reporting
Brittle Naiad

Brittle Naiad

Najas minor

Thick infestations of can inhibit the growth of native aquatic vegetation and make fishing and recreational
boating difficult.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
Priority for Reporting
Mixedgrass Prairie
Future
Sandhills
Future
Shortgrass Prairie
Future
Bull Thistle

Bull Thistle

Cirsium vulgare

Learn More

Sandhills
County Noxious
Canada Thistle

Canada Thistle

Cirsium arvense

Multi-million dollar losses in crop production due to competition. Releases toxic substances into the soil which inhibits growth of some plants.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Mixedgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Sandhills
State Noxious
Shortgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Common Watercress

Common Watercress

Nasturtium officinale

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Creeping Foxtail

Creeping Foxtail

Alopecurus arundinaceus

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Crested Wheatgrass

Crested Wheatgrass

Agropyron cristatum and hybrids

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Downy Brome

Downy Brome

Bromus tectorum

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Eastern Redcedar

Eastern Redcedar

Juniperus virginiana

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Problematic
Mixedgrass Prairie
Problematic
Sandhills
Problematic
Shortgrass Prairie
Problematic
Known
Priority
Eurasian Watermilfoil

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Myriophyllum spicatum

Competes aggressively to displace and reduce the diversity of native aquatic plants.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
Priority for Reporting
Mixedgrass Prairie
Priority for Reporting
Sandhills
Priority for Reporting
Shortgrass Prairie
Established
Field Bindweed

Field Bindweed

Convolvulus arvensis

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
County Noxious
Field Garlic

Field Garlic

Allium vineale

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Giant Reed

Giant Reed

Arundo donax

Chokes rivers and streams, crowds out native plants and wildlife, and increases fire potential.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
Priority for Reporting
Mixedgrass Prairie
Future
Sandhills
Future
Shortgrass Prairie
Future
Giant Salvinia

Giant Salvinia

Salvinia molesta

Poses a serious threat to lakes, ponds, streams, rivers and other freshwater wetlands, and cultivated rice fields.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
Future
Mixedgrass Prairie
Future
Sandhills
Future
Shortgrass Prairie
Future
Hairy Vetch

Hairy Vetch

Vicia villosa

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Houndstongue

Houndstongue

Cynoglossum officinale

Can cause skin irritation, gets caught in animal fur, reducing the value of the pelt.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
Priority for Reporting
Shortgrass Prairie
County Noxious
Sandhills
County Noxious
Hydrilla

Hydrilla

Hydrilla verticillata

Forms tall and dense stands in the water column, blocking sunlight penetration potentially displacing other aquatic organisms and impeding water flow.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
Future
Mixedgrass Prairie
Future
Sandhills
Future
Shortgrass Prairie
Future
Intermediate Wheatgrass

Intermediate Wheatgrass

Thinopyrum intermedium

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Japanese & Giant Knotweed

Japanese & Giant Knotweed

Fallopia japonica, F. sachalinensis

Spreads rapidly and forms dense, altering habitat for wildlife, increasing the risk of flooding and river bank erosion.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Mixedgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Sandhills
State Noxious
Shortgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Japanese Brome

Japanese Brome

Bromus japonicus

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Japanese Hops

Japanese Hops

Humulus japonicas

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Kentucky Bluegrass

Kentucky Bluegrass

Poa pratensis

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Leafy Spurge

Leafy Spurge

Euphorbia esula

Costs millions of dollars annually due to lost production. Considered toxic to cattle. Establishes quickly and easily and out-competes native vegetation.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Mixedgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Sandhills
State Noxious
Shortgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Multiflora Rose

Multiflora Rose

Rosa multiflora

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Musk Thistle

Musk Thistle

Carduus nutans

Prolific seed production. Forms dense colonies which reduces yield in forage crops. Competes with native vegetation.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Mixedgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Sandhills
State Noxious
Shortgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Narrow-Leaf Cattail

Narrow-Leaf Cattail

Typha angustifolia

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Oriental Bittersweet

Oriental Bittersweet

Celastrus orbiculatus

Vigorously growing vine that smothers vegetation. This plant is displacing native American bittersweet through competition and hybridization.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
Priority for Reporting
Mixedgrass Prairie
Future
Sandhills
Future
Shortgrass Prairie
Future
Osage Orange

Osage Orange

Maclura pomifera

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Oxeye Daisy

Oxeye Daisy

Leucanthemum vulgare

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Established
Palmer Amaranth

Palmer Amaranth

Amaranthus palmeri

Palmer amaranth can be toxic to livestock. It can reduce
corn yields by 91% and soybean yields by 79%.

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Perennial Pepperweed

Perennial Pepperweed

Lepidium latifolium

Brings salt from deep in the soil to the surface. Grows into dense colonies which reduces habitat for wildlife.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Phragmites Common Reed

Phragmites Common Reed

Phragmites australis

Forms dense stands over very large areas, restricting water movement, trapping sediment and causing changes in water quality.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Mixedgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Sandhills
State Noxious
Shortgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Plumeless Thistle

Plumeless Thistle

Carduus acanthoides

Thousands of dollars lost in Nebraska agricultural production annually. Competes with native vegetation.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Mixedgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Sandhills
State Noxious
Shortgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Purple Loosestrife

Purple Loosestrife

Lythrum salicaria, L. virgatum.

Thousands of dollars lost in Nebraska agricultural production annually. Competes with native vegetation.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Mixedgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Sandhills
State Noxious
Shortgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Quackgrass

Quackgrass

Elymus repens

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Redtop

Redtop

Agrostis gigantean

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Russian Olive

Russian Olive

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Saltcedar

Saltcedar

Tamarix ramosissima

Pulls heavy amounts of water from the soil with long taproot; competes with native vegetation; standing vegetation can increase risk of fire.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Mixedgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Sandhills
State Noxious
Shortgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Scotch Thistle

Scotch Thistle

Onopordum acanthium

Learn More

Sandhills
County Noxious
Shortgrass Prairie
County Noxious
Sericea Lespedeza

Sericea Lespedeza

Lespedeza cuneata

Seeds remain viable for up to 20 years, contains dyes that reduce forage value and aggressively competes with native vegetation.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Mixedgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Sandhills
State Noxious
Shortgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Siberian Elm

Siberian Elm

Ulmus pumila

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Smooth Brome

Smooth Brome

Bromus inermis

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Spotted & Diffuse Knapweed

Spotted & Diffuse Knapweed

Centaurea biebersteinii, Centaurea diffusa

Allelopathic chemicals affect other plants. Establishes readily on disturbed ground, decreases forage production for livestock.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Mixedgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Sandhills
State Noxious
Shortgrass Prairie
State Noxious
Sulphur Cinquefoil

Sulphur Cinquefoil

Potentilla recta

Vigorous growth rate due to persistent fibrous root system, can self pollinate. Competes with native vegetation.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Mixedgrass Prairie
Priority for Reporting
Sandhills
Priority for Reporting
Tall Fescue

Tall Fescue

Festuca arundinacea

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Tall Wheatgrass

Tall Wheatgrass

Thinopyrum ponticum

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Tatarian Honeysuckle

Tatarian Honeysuckle

Lonicera tatarica

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Tree-of-Heaven

Tree-of-Heaven

Ailanthus altissima

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Water Hyacinth

Water Hyacinth

Eichhornia spp.

Rapidly grows/spreads, seen as dense floating mats on the water which restricts light for organisms below, inhibits recreational activities.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
Future
Mixedgrass Prairie
Future
Sandhills
Future
Shortgrass Prairie
Future
White Mulberry

White Mulberry

Morus alba

Learn More

Tallgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Mixedgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Sandhills
Established in Nebraska
Shortgrass Prairie
Established in Nebraska
Yellow Bedstraw

Yellow Bedstraw

Galium verum

Can out-compete native species and ease of distribution makes it difficult to track.

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
Priority for Reporting
Sandhills
County Noxious
Yellow Flag Iris

Yellow Flag Iris

Iris pseudacorus

Learn More Report a Sighting

Tallgrass Prairie
Priority for Reporting
Mixedgrass Prairie
Priority for Reporting
Sandhills
Priority for Reporting
Shortgrass Prairie
Priority for Reporting