Weed of the Week

August 28th 2006

Leafy Spurge: Euphorbia esula, L.

 

Characteristics:

Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)

Origin: Eurasia

Description:

• Persistent Perennial
• Plants are erect and thickly clustered up to 3 feet in height
• Reproduces by seeds and rootstock
• Toxic to some livestock

Stems and Roots:

• Stems leaves and roots bleed toxic milky sap when cut or picked.  Skin may discolor and burn when in contact with sap.
• Roots systems are extensive containing large energy reserves making this weed difficult to control
• Roots are brown, extending to 14 feet.  New buds are pink.

Flowers:

• Flowers are actually bracts, heart shaped
• Bright yellow in color
• Bloom June-September
• Seed pods are green, with 3 seeds each.  When mature, pods explode, casting seeds outward to 15 feet.

Leaves:

• Numerous and alternate along the stem
• Narrow and 1-4 inches in length

Location:

    Leafy Spurge is adapted to all environments.  It was introduced to the U.S. in 1827 when it was discovered to have been an impurity mixed in with other seed.  It infests more than 2.5 million acres in the U.S. and has caused severe economic damage to ranchers.  Land values plummet when leafy spurge takes over.  This noxious weed is very difficult to control but there have been some successes when biological control insects are introduced.  Please notify me if you see this weed (Holly Postmus City and County of Broomfield Park Operations (303)464-5625).

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