Top Priority Weeds of the Lake Tahoe Basin

The Lake Tahoe Basin Weed Coordinating Group annually ranks and prioritizes weed species at risk of introduction and spread into the Lake Tahoe Basin region. The evaluation is based on historical survey and mapping data gathered by cooperating partners in and around the Basin. Go to the complete Priority Invasive Weeds of the Lake Tahoe Basin list.

Clicking on any plant name or photo below for more information (PDF format).

Class One Weeds: Present in the Basin

These weeds are present in the Lake Tahoe Basin as small, eradicable infestations. Have you seen these weeds? Act now to report their location!

Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense)	Russian knapweed (Centaurea repens)
Diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa)	Sulfur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta)
Hoary cress (Cardaria species)	Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum)
Rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea)	Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis)

Class One Weeds: Present in areas near the Basin

These weeds are not currently found in the Lake Tahoe Basin but are known to occur in areas close by. If you see these weeds please report them immediately!

Musk thistle (Carduus nutans)

Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium)

Class Two Weeds: Managed infestations

These weeds are known to be found in the Lake Tahoe Basin. We are currently working to manage these species and eradicate isolated infestations to prevent further spread. Please report sightings of these weeds.

Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare)	Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium)
Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria dalmatica)	Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius)
Klamathweed (Hypericum perforatum)	Spotted knapweed (Centaurea biebersteinii)
Oxeye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum)	Yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)

Aquatic invasive weeds

Learn more about aquatic weeds at the Tahoe Resource Conservation District.