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Myrtle Spurge the garden scourge

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Contributed by: Karen Berry on 4/3/2006

Myrtle Spurge the Garden Scourge

What is it and Why Should I Care?

Weed managers recoil with alarm at the mention of spurges, which are rapidly spreading throughout Colorado. Myrtle Spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites) is a native from Eurasia that is often planted as an ornamental in rock and Xeriscape gardens. This invader has a strong edge over native plants because the insects, diseases, and animals that control it are not found in Colorado.

The plant's sap is highly toxic and poisonous to both humans and animals. No wonder it is used as a deer proof plant. Seeds can be ejected up to 15 feet from the plant or transported by animals that brush against a plant. Myrtle spurge has escaped from the garden and is quickly moving into natural areas where it replaces native plants that provide food and cover for wildlife. This perennial weed causes enormous environmental damage.

How Do I Identify Myrtle Spurge?

Myrtle spurge has fleshy blue-green alternating leaves that form tight spirals around spreading, prostrate stems that branch out from a taproot. Flowers are inconspicuous, surrounded by bright yellow-green showy bracts in early spring. Like other species of the spurge family, it emits a white milky sap. It likes dry, well-drained sites.

How Do I Control This Plant?

Prevention is the best method of control. It is easily pulled by hand, but the sap can burn your skin or eyes, so long sleeves and gloves are a must. New shoots will sprout from broken roots, so you must monitor removal sites to make sure that all of the plant was pulled.

Chemical control with a few select herbicides can also be effective. There is no known biological control. You should learn to identify this plant and report all sightings to your county or city weed manager. Information on controlling myrtle spurge with herbicide can be found at the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension website: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/PUBS/natres/03114.html

For more information call the Jefferson Conservation District at 720-544-2870. The mission of the conservation district is to protect our natural resources through education and environmental awareness. Karen Berry is a district board member, a Wheat Ridge City Council Member, and a board member of several other organizations dedicated to noxious weed and natural resource management.

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Karen Berry

Wheat Ridge , CO

Karen Berry has posted 110 stories and 2 comments since joining on 11/26/2005. Karen Berry 's average story rating is 4.37.

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