The Problem with Spurge

by Camas Bug Crew

One of the earliest noxious weeds to grow in the spring is leafy spurge; it rapidly starts growing in mid May. This weed is one of the nastiest noxious weeds on the Camas prairie. Luckily the biological control agents we use are very effective in combating this weed. Hopefully, this article will help you better understand the noxious nature of leafy spurge.

July 3rd & 4th

August 4th (Friday Fair)

Leafy spurge, Euphorbia esula, is a deep-rooted, vegetatively and by seed. Plants have an extensive root system which grows both horizontally and vertically that is capable of reaching depths up to 20 ft. Stems are thickly clustered and have narrow, alternate leaves which exclude milky latex when damaged. The flowers are small, yellowish-green, and enclosed in showy yellow-green bracts. Seeds are oblong and occur in clusters of three in a capsule. When the seeds are dry, the capsules shatter and spread the seeds as far as 15 ft from the plant. Leafy spurge is commonly found in grasslands and rangeland habitats, but is also capable of invading forests and riparian areas, displacing native vegetation.

August 14th & 15th

September 4th & 5th Or... by appointment. Contact Patti Davis.

Our Leafy Spurge insect is a really threat to this plant. The Aphthona spp. [AP] complex consists of six different species, all with a similar biology. The larval stage is the most destructive to leafy spurge. AP larvae feed on fine root hairs, impairing the roots and creating wounds which may be infected by secondary pathogens. AP larvae may be found in infested leafy spurge roots from july to early spring of the following year. AP pupate in the soil and adults emerge from June to August. Adult AP feeding reduces leafy spurge’s photosynthetic ability for root reserves. AP are best suited for dry sites with a large amount of sun exposure. Recent studies suggest that AP can also be used as a “bio-herbicide” in riparian areas.

Any plant that has roots 20 feet in the ground is a formidable enemy; the milky substance inside leafy spurge can damage human’s eyesight. This plant is very bad for horses and cattle, but interestingly, goats eat it like candy with no ill effects. If you find leafy spurge on your property, you have cause for concern. Call Terry Lee at 208764-3512 and he can help you decide what to do.

The Gooding County Garden Society is Growing!

Our group is for men and women who enjoy learning and sharing gardening tips and tricks. Meetings are held on the third Monday during the months of May through October. If you are interested in joining please call 208-420-6335 and leave your name and phone number so we can share additional meeting information.