What is the term for plants identified by Minnesota law as harmful to public health or the environment?

The correct term for plants identified by Minnesota law as harmful to public health or the environment is noxious weeds. These are species that are typically non-native, and their presence can cause significant harm to agriculture, ecosystems, and human health. By designating certain plants as noxious weeds, the state can implement measures to control or eradicate them in order to protect native plant communities and agricultural lands.

Noxious weeds often thrive in disturbed environments and may outcompete native flora, leading to reduced biodiversity. This designation allows for regulatory actions, including management plans that help prevent the spread of these plants and minimize their negative impact. While invasive species is a broader term that can include noxious weeds, not all invasive species are classified as noxious under state legislation. Endangered plants and native species represent entirely different categories focused on conservation and preservation rather than management of harmful plants.