What Is Spurge?

Spurge, belonging to the genus Euphorbia, encompasses a diverse group of plants that are widespread and known for their adaptability. These plants can be found in various environments, including gardens, lawns, and wild landscapes. While some spurge species are cultivated for their ornamental value, many are considered weeds due to their invasive nature. This article provides a comprehensive overview of spurge, detailing the different types, how to identify them, their life cycle, and effective management and control strategies.

Types Of Spurge & How To Identify Them

Spurge is a large and varied genus with over 2,000 species. Here are some common types of spurge, along with their distinctive features:

Spotted Spurge (Euphorbia maculata)

• Identification: Spotted spurge is a low-growing, mat-forming annual weed with reddish stems. Its leaves are small, oval, and have a distinctive reddish-brown spot in the center. The plant produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers in leaf axils.
• Habitat: It thrives in dry, sunny locations and can often be found in lawns, gardens, and disturbed areas.

Prostrate Spurge (Euphorbia prostrata)

• Identification: Similar to spotted spurge, prostrate spurge forms mats close to the ground. The leaves are slightly smaller and do not have the characteristic spot seen in spotted spurge. The stems exude a milky sap when broken.
• Habitat: Common in warm climates, it prefers open, sunny areas and often appears in lawns and cracks in the cement. 

Creeping Spurge (Euphorbia serpens)

• Identification: Creeping spurge has trailing stems that root at the nodes, forming dense mats. The leaves are small, oval, and dark green, sometimes with a reddish hue. It also produces milky sap.
• Habitat: Found in similar environments as prostrate spurge, including lawns, gardens, and disturbed soils.

Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula)

• Identification: Leafy spurge is a perennial weed that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves and produces clusters of yellow-green flowers. The entire plant exudes a milky latex when damaged.
• Habitat: This species is more common in pastures, rangelands, and roadsides, where it can form dense stands.

Life Cycle Of Spurge

Understanding the life cycle of spurge is crucial for effective management. While the life cycle can vary slightly among species, it generally follows these stages:

Germination: Spurge seeds typically germinate in the spring or early summer when soil temperatures rise. The seeds require light to germinate, so they often sprout near the soil surface or in disturbed areas.

Seedling Stage: Young spurge plants quickly develop a robust root system. Annual species, like spotted and prostrate spurge, grow rapidly, forming mats within weeks. Perennial species, like leafy spurge, focus initially on root development, establishing a deep and extensive root system.

Vegetative Growth: During this stage, spurge plants expand their foliage and root systems. In annual species, this growth is rapid and aggressive. Perennial species, such as leafy spurge, develop both above-ground shoots and underground root systems that store energy for future growth.

Flowering & Seed Production: Spurge plants flower throughout the growing season. The flowers are generally small and inconspicuous but produce a large number of seeds. These seeds can remain viable in the soil for several years, contributing to the plant's persistence.

Seed Dispersal: Spurge seeds are primarily dispersed by wind, water, and human activity. Some species also have explosive seed capsules that can eject seeds several feet away from the parent plant.

Managing & Controlling Spurge

With its diverse species and adaptive nature, spurge can be both an ornamental plant and a troublesome weed. By understanding the different types of spurge, their identification characteristics, life cycle, and management strategies, gardeners and landscapers can effectively control their spread and maintain healthy, spurge-free environments. A combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical controls ensures the best chance of keeping this persistent plant in check.

‍Call a professional near you to learn more about keeping spurge out of your lawn this year, and keep the following methods in mind when tackling weeds in your yard.

Cultural Control

• Healthy Lawn Maintenance: Maintaining a dense, healthy lawn through proper mowing, fertilization, and irrigation can help suppress spurge by reducing available light and space.
• Mulching: In garden beds, applying a thick layer of mulch can inhibit spurge growth by blocking light and physically hindering seedling emergence.

Mechanical Control

• Hand Pulling: Hand pulling is effective for small infestations, especially when the soil is moist. Ensure the entire root system is removed to prevent regrowth.
• Hoeing: Regular hoeing can disrupt young spurge seedlings before they establish a robust root system.

Chemical Control

• Herbicides: Selective herbicides are effective against spurge. For annual species, pre-emergent herbicides can prevent seed germination, while post-emergent herbicides can kill established plants. Systemic herbicides that translocate to the roots are necessary for perennial species like leafy spurge.
• Application Timing: Herbicides should be applied when spurge plants are actively growing. Multiple applications may be required for perennial species to achieve complete control.