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:
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Ceanothus spp. (California Lilac)
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Ephedra spp. (Mormon Tea)
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Myrica spp. (Bayberry)
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Prunus maritima (Beach Plum)