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  • 20 to 40 cm long

  • A blue-green perennial

  • Introduced from Europe as an ornamental species

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Myrtle spurge
(Euphorbia myrsinites)

Quick Identification

  • Dense blue-green leaves are densely packed and spiral along the stem

  • Flowers are a bright yellow-green

  • Exudes a milky latex when broken

  • Grows in creeping clumps

Impact
Takes over in dry, disturbed soils.  The milky sap is toxic to people and animals and causes blistering and possible blindness.  Other symptoms of exposure include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.  It also reduces forage for livestock and wildlife by aggressively competing with other species.  This can result in soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.

Management
Manual removal is effective for small sites.  Be sure to use gloves, long-sleeves, and eye protection.  Effective herbicides are available.

Flower
Bright yellow-green flowers appear March to April.  Heart-shaped brackets surround each flower.   

Leaves & Stems
Broad, pointed leaves spiral around the stem.  When broken, leaves and stems exude a milky sap which is toxic and can cause skin irritations, blistering, and blindness.  Stems and leaves are waxy and blue-green in colour.

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Roots
Long tap root which is also exudes the toxic sap.

Reproduction & Dispersal
Reproduces by seeds as well as vegetatively from roots and stems.

Seeds

Seed pods burst, spreading seeds which can last for up to eight years in the soil.

Preferred Habitat
Prefers well drained soils in gardens, on rocky slops or in ditches.  It is drought resistant and often planted in rock gardens. 

Interesting Facts
Be very careful when handling this species to avoid contacts with skin and eyes.

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