Which weeds are mandatory to control in North Dakota?

State-listed noxious weeds include leafy spurge, Canada thistle, musk thistle, absinth wormwood, diffuse and spotted knapweed, yellow toadflax, dalmatian toadflax, saltcedar, palmer amaranth, and houndstongue.

Can a county force weed treatment on private property?

Yes. After issuing a written notice and allowing time to comply, county weed boards may enter the land, treat the weeds, and bill costs back to the owner via property tax assessment.

North Dakota Weed Ordinances (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: N.D.C.C. ch. 4.1-47
Enforcement: County weed boards
Listed weeds: 11+ state-designated species
Forced treatment: Costs liened to property
Applies to: All landowners statewide

Source: North Dakota Legislative Branch

Full Breakdown

Under N.D.C.C. ch. 4.1-47, every person owning or occupying land in North Dakota must control and prevent the spread of noxious weeds designated by the Agriculture Commissioner. State-listed weeds include leafy spurge, Canada thistle, absinth wormwood, musk thistle, and several others. County weed boards inspect properties, issue notices, and may enter land to perform control work at the owner's expense if violations remain unabated. Cities and counties may add local weeds but cannot weaken the state list. The law applies uniformly to residential, agricultural, and government lands.

Violations & Penalties

County weed boards may issue control notices, perform forced treatment, and assess costs as a property tax lien. Civil penalties up to $250 per offense possible.

North Dakota Noxious Weed Control Law

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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