Leafy Spurge
(Euphorbia esula L.)
 |
-
 |
MATURE PLANT
* up to 3 feet tall |
|
ROOT
* creeping roots |
|
FLOWER
* yellow-green |
|
INFESTATION
* approx...400 acres in El Paso County | |
LEAFY SPURGE, (Euphorbia esula L.) Leafy Spurge is a member of the Spurge family, which was introduced from Europe. It is a creeping perennial that reproduces by seed and extensive creeping roots. The seed can shoot up to 15 feet and be viable for at least 8 years in the soil. The roots can extend as deep as 20 feet or more and are extremely wide spreading. The shoots grow erect, 1 to 3 feet high, are pale green and unbranched except for flower clusters.
Leaves are bright bluish-green, alternate, narrowly linear with smooth margins, about ΒΌ inch wide, and 1 to 4 inches long. Yellowish-green heart-shaped bracts enclose the small yellow-green flowers. The bracts have the appearance of flowers; the pods are three-seeded. All parts of the plant, including the root, have milky latex that is damaging to eyes and sensitive skin.
Leafy spurge is an extremely difficult plant to control because of its extensive sprouting root system and is probably the most serious noxious weed threat in Colorado. It is one of the weeds that must be managed statewide in accordance with the Colorado Weed Management Act.
It is adapted to a wide variety of habitats in the state and is very competitive with other plant species. If it becomes established in rangeland, pasture, and riparian sites, it may exclude all other vegetation due to its competitive nature. Although it is unpalatable to cattle, sheep and goats eat spurge, do well on it, and are useful biocontrol tools.
Stress the plant, mow, and plant perennial grasses in the fall, spray. May take 5-6 years to show results.