Leafy Spurge

Leafy spurge Euphorbia esula L. Spurge Family
Key identifying traits Showy pairs of yellow-green, heart shaped bracts (often mistaken for flowers) Entire plant contains a milky juice (sap) Roots are extensive with pink buds for new shoots or roots Leaves are alternate, narrow, 1-4" long Single stalks or multiple stems, up to 3' tall True flowers are yellow-green but inconspicuous Seeds are contained in a 3-celled capsule Biology and ecology Perennial; reproduces by vigorous root stalks and seed; seed capsules explode when dry, projecting seeds up to 20' Sap can cause extreme irritation to man or beast Native to central and southern Europe, and eastward through most of Asia Invades a wide variety of sites- dry hillsides, wet meadows, riparian areas, roadsides Once plants are well established (3 years) large nutrient reserves in the extensive root system make control difficult & expensive and eradication nearly impossible Forms dense stands which only goats/sheep graze Control Prevention- Learn to identify the plant; know your property; beware of fill dirt, hay and seed from outside your area Biological – Several used in combination with sheep and with herbicides to combat extensive infestations in the mountain west; trial colony only in Stevens Co Cultural – Competitive vegetation helps but does not stop infestations Mechanical – Persistent, almost zealous digging or cultivation is required to be at all successful Chemical – A few are effective if applied using the correct rates, timing, mixtures, and adjuvants; generally requires a licensed operator. Refer to the PNW Weed Management Handbook for specific chemical recommendations	mature plant
	white, latex sap
	yellow-green bracts surrounding true flowers
	immature plants
	spurge roots
*Where found -* Small infestations found scattered around Stevens County; active ID and cost share control programs have limited the acres involved to less than 100. MS.doc PDF