The Douglas County Invasive Weeds Management Program exists to prevent, eradicate and control invasive weeds through education and public land management. Invasive weeds are non-native and aggressive plants that can replace natural vegetation and contribute to wildfire risk. Controlling their growth is key to fostering healthy ecosystems throughout Douglas County. This virtual environment is designed to help residents identify common invasive weeds, learn best practices for weed management, and connect with resources for further invasive weeds information and support.
The educational information provided in this resource is courtesy of the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
Long, creeping vines that spread across the ground in dense leaves and blossoms. Creeps low to the ground or climbs existing plants and structures.
Deep green with an arrowhead shape.
1-inch diameter, trumpet-shaped blossoms ranging from white to light pink with white stripes originating from the center. Resembles a small petunia or morning glory.
Low to the ground, branching vines with thick, reddish stems and green leaves alternating the length of the plant. Vines end in a cluster of leaves and, at times, can have sporadic yellow flowers throughout.
Teardrop-shaped, shiny, thick and green with reddish edges.
Miniature, bright yellow blooms with five heart-shaped petals.
Low to the ground, dense mat of branching vines with reddish stems and green leaves growing in opposite pairs along the whole vine.
Tiny, oval-shaped, dark green leaves with slight fuzz and, sometimes, a distinct dark reddish purple spot in the center. Not all spotted spurge plants will have a spot on the leaves.
Blooms are not noticeable and appear as clusters of tiny pods throughout the vines.
Starts with a circular burst (rosette) of short, reddish, leaf-covered stems that stay low to the ground until flowering stems emerge. Stems are covered in alternating leaves and end in a cluster of blooms.
Dark green, oblong and frilly — stems can start to resemble fern leaves.
Bright, lavender blooms with five thin, oval-shaped petals.
3-4 inches but have the potential to reach up to 2 feet tall in the right conditions.
Begins as a circular burst of leaves stemming from a central point (known as a rosette). Once mature, the central stem produces smaller branches ending in multiple flowers (one to five). Leaves are denser towards the base.
Bright green, wavy and oblong with spines and a fuzzy underside.
1-centimeter, spineless bulbs with a tuft of feathery, purple petals on top.
If you don't see the invasive weed you are looking for, reach out to the Douglas County experts by calling 303-660-7480 or visiting douglas.co.us/public-works/report-a-problem.
Invasive weeds are moving into our valued ecosystems and displacing our native plants at an alarming rate. When the plants that wildlife uses for food, shelter or nesting are gone, the wildlife will leave the area. Invasive weeds also impact our valuable agricultural lands and commodities. When resources are not available for their desired use, it takes more land to raise the same number of cattle or bushels of wheat. Because of these factors, they have been declared by the state, local and federal governments to be undesirable, and their control, containment and eradication are required by law under the Colorado Noxious Weed Management Act.
Invasive weed management requires multiple methods throughout the year to prevent, eradicate and control unwanted weeds. An effective weed management system integrates two or more of these methods into a plan of operation:
Douglas County's goal is to help residents learn how to identify invasive weeds and control their spread. To do this, county staff will come to your location and help you develop an invasive weed control plan with a written procedure outlining the most effective way to control invasive weeds on your property without damaging desirable vegetation.
This program is available to any property owner in unincorporated Douglas County. If we manage your snow, we're happy to help you manage your weeds. From suburban backyards to large acreages, all residents are welcome. Staff will observe the invasive weeds on the property and determine the best management methods for maximum control. The landowner/resident will be given an individual weed management plan that includes the identification of each weed, control methods available for treatment, herbicide recommendations, optimum spraying times and short/long-term goals for infestation control. To schedule a consultation, call 303-660-7480.
To learn more about invasive weeds in Douglas County, please visit douglas.co.us and search “invasive weeds.”
For information about specific weed species and identification, please visit the Colorado state website at ag.colorado.gov/conservation/noxious-weeds.
To schedule a consultation, call 303-660-7480 or visit douglas.co.us/public-works/report-a-problem.