Ask Steward:
I struggled this year with identifying plants on my property that I believe
are weeds, and want to recognize them as they sprout. Where can I find
resources for weed identification?
–Weed Crazy
Dear Weed Crazy,
There are several resources available to help you identify the weeds on your property, including books, websites, local reference guides, and local personnel. Below is a list of helpful resources.
BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS
Montana’s Noxious Weeds (EB0159)
https://store.msuextension.org/publications/AgandNaturalResources/EB0159.pdf
Published by Montana State University Extension, available for purchase at the Montana State University Extension store or at your local Extension office, and online as a PDF or flipbook.
Weed Seedling Identification Guide (EB0215)
https://store.msuextension.org/Products/Weed-Seedling-Identification-Guide-for-Montana-and-the-
Northern-Great-Plains-EB0215__EB0215.aspx
Published by Montana State University Extension, available for purchase at the Montana State University Extension store or at your local Extension office. The 168-page guide covers 75 plants species, including 60 broadleaf and 16 grass species.
MSU Extension Store
https://store.msuextension.org/
Search ‘weed identification’ to find publications for identifying and managing more than 40 weed species.
WEBSITES
MSU Extension Invasive Plants
http://msuinvasiveplants.org/noxioussub.html
Montana Weed Control Association
https://www.mtweed.org/weeds/weed-id/
Montana Noxious Weed Education Campaign
https://weedawareness.org/
In addition to the resources above, county weed districts and Extension offices often publish county-specific guides to weed identification. For more help with weed identification, visit your local weed district or Extension office with a fresh plant sample or good digital photos, or call your local Extension agent to do a property site visit if you have multiple weeds to identify.