You’ll know a weed when you try to dig it up. In search of nutrients and water, they have incredibly long and tough roots. A dandelion is a prime example!
Weeds which are non-native to Summit County and are considered to be invasive may be classified as noxious weeds. Summit County supports a Weed Management division which is active in the summer spraying noxious weeds along county roads. They have a terrific web site which shows weeds which are the focus of their attention. Scroll down to see photos of the plants and descriptions. http://www.co.summit.co.us/weeds/weeds.htm Booklets are available, too, from the Weed Management office at 0037 Peak One Drive, Frisco, CO 80443 where Lisa Taylor is the manager. She may be contacted at LisaT@co.summit.co.us or (970) 668-4218.
You will notice that the dandelion doesn’t make the list!
If you don’t pay attention to your weeds, then the Weed Management team will, and for a fee!
Another excellent website with images of weeds can be seen at:
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1167928184099&pagename=Agriculture-Main%2FCDAGLayout
Scroll down on this site and the photos will help you identify weeds.