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- Leafy Spurge Euphorbia Esula
Leafy Spurge
Euphorbia EsulaOrigin
Leafy spurge is native to Europe and Asia and was introduced accidentally into America in the early 1800s, possibly as a hitchhiker in sacks of oat seed.
Identification/Habitat
This invasive is an erect deep-rooted, branching perennial that can grow from 1 to 2 feet tall. It frequently grows in dense colonies from horizontal roots. These root systems may extend many feet into the ground. The sap from this plant comes out white and milky. The leaves are bluish-green linear leaves that are 3-8 centimeter long and 3-10 millimeter wide. The plant blooms with small yellow flowers. The leaves and flowers alternate along the stem. This plant grows in full sun conditions and tolerates moist to dry soils. It is more aggressive in dryer soils, and is more prevalent in areas where the soils have been disturbed.
Dispersal
Seed capsules explode, dispersing seed up to 15 feet, even further with the help of wind or water. The root system is complex allowing the tiniest of root rhizome to quickly spread, thus greatly hampering eradication.
Problems
Large infestations give the landscape a yellowish tinge due to the yellow bracts. Leafy spurge invades pastures and other open areas. Spreading quickly, it can absorb a great deal of water nutrients from the soil. It is a major pest of national parks and nature preserves in the western United States. It can completely overtake large areas of land and displace native vegetation.
Control
Hand pulling is recommended for small plants such as this as long as one takes care to pull out the root system with the plant. Pulled plants should be removed from the site to prevent further spread and disposed of either in black plastic bags or at the town composting facility. Foliar spray is not recommended as it can be harmful to the surrounding floura and fauna. See the invasive removal page for how to carry out these methods. Any removal within 100 feet of wetland resource areas, including certified vernal pools, or within 200 feet of a perennial stream may require approval from the Concord Natural Resources Commission. Please contact the Division of Natural Resources before you begin.
Replacements
The following native plants can serve as a good replacement to knotweed in a garden:
- Ceanothus spp. (California Lilac)
- Ephedra spp. (Mormon Tea)
- Myrica spp. (Bayberry)
- Prunus maritima (Beach Plum)