This E.O. directs federal agencies to prevent the introduction of invasive species, to provide for their control, and to minimize the economic, ecological, and human health impacts that invasive species cause to the extent practicable and permitted by law. What makes a weed a nuisance is not necessarily an ecological threat, as defined above. Furthermore, a weed is not necessarily an exotic species. The term, noxious weed , is an official designation for weeds which cause major economic harm. Traditionally, plants introduced for their ornamental, utilitarian, or food value are not viewed as weeds.
Many people assume that weeds look ugly.
More precise, accepted, and general terms for environmentally harmful non-natives are exotic pest plant and invasive plant species . In Australia, exotic pest plants are termed environmental weeds . A hand tool that uproots woody plants by gripping and leverage, patented by New Tribe. The Weed Wrench is very well adapted to removal of plants with a long taproot, such as Scotch broom.