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Perennial grows to 0.9 m tall
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Introduced from Eurasia
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Toxic to animals and humans
Leafy spurge
(Euphorbia esula)
Quick Identification
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Heart-shaped floral leaves
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Greenish-yellow flower clusters
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Exudes milky juice when cut or broken
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Numerous pink buds on roots at stem base.
Impact
All parts of leafy spurge plants contain a white milky latex that can cause severe blistering and dermatitis. The sap can also cause temporary blindness if it comes into contact with your eyes. Leafy spurge can spread very quickly and damage native plant habitats and degrade pastures.
Management
Tillage, mowing, and pulling are generally
ineffective control treatments because of the plant’s
extensive root system. Biocontrol insects are available. Selective herbicides are effective.
Flower
Greenish-yellow flowers on long stalks cluster in flat topped umbrellas. Flowers lack petals and sepals, relatively inconspicuous. Pairs of heart shaped floral leaves underneath flower clusters.
Leaves & Stems
Pale, bluish green foliage exudes milky sap when cut. Thickly clustered, smooth, hairless stems branched near the top. Leaves, 2.5 to 10 cm long and 6 mm wide, numerous and usually drooping, attached directly to stem in an alternate or spiral arrangement.
Reproduction & Dispersal
Initially by seed, then reproduces by re-sprouting from its extensive, creeping root system. Can also re-sprout from root fragments.
Seeds
Oblong, with three-celled capsule. Capsules forcibly burst open when ripe, propelling seeds up to 4.5 meters and aiding in dispersal. Viable up to 8 years.
Roots
Vigorous, creeping root system with pink, scaly buds which develop into new shoots. Can reach depth of 7.6 meters and extend 4.5 meters.
Preferred Habitat
Tolerates a wide range of soil types, soil moisture levels and habitats. High genetic diversity results in quick adaptation to local growing conditions.
Interesting Facts
Dead plants appear to inhibit the growth of other plants.
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