Missouri Noxious Weed Control Statewide Owner Duty

RSMo 263.190 makes it the duty of every owner of land in Missouri, including individuals, corporations, partnerships, and government entities, to control all designated noxious weeds growing on the property often enough each year to prevent the weeds from going to seed. The Director of the Department of Agriculture maintains the official noxious weeds list under RSMo 263.250. An owner who knowingly allows noxious weeds to grow forfeits one hundred dollars per offense to the county commission. The prosecuting attorney must mail certified notice and allow fifteen days to begin control before filing civil action; each subsequent fifteen-day period of inaction is a separate offense. Sale of noxious weed species is prohibited.

Knowingly allowing noxious weeds to seed: $100 civil penalty per offense, with each 15-day period of non-compliance a separate violation.