View source for Euphorbia virgata (weed)

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[[File:Euphorbia virgata (Ruten-Wolfsmilch) IMG 9813.jpg|300px|thumb|''Euphorbia virgata'' (click on image to enlarge it)<br/>Author(s): Hermann Schachner<br/>Source: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Euphorbia_virgata_(Ruten-Wolfsmilch)_IMG_9813.jpg Wikimedia Commons]]]
<font color="#800000">'''''Euphorbia virgata'' (weed)'''</font> Waldst. & Kit. - (leafy spurge)

Leafy spurge is an invasive and poisonous weed in North America, causing serious problems in rangelands because of its toxicity to cattle, horses and sheep. It has infested more than 1 million hectares in North America and forms dense stands in open areas. The weed was accidental introduction in the early 1800s (first record from Massachusetts in 1827).

There has been uncertainty about the taxonomy of leafy spurge in North America, although before 2020 it was mainly referred to as ''Euphorbia esula''. However, leafy spurge is now regarded as belonging to the very similar species ''Euphorbia virgata'', a species native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia. ''E. esula'' seems to be restricted to certain parts of Europe (see [http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242321554 Flora of North America]).

''E. virgata'' is a herbaceous, perennial plant which emerges early in the spring. It produces abundant seeds (more than 100 per stem) which are released explosively from the seed capsule and scatter in the immediate neighbourhood of the plant. Lateral root growth further contribute to the formation of dense patches. Dispersal of the seeds also occurs through water, human activities and animals.
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|de=Rutenförmige Wolfsmilch
|en=leafy spurge
|fr=euphorbe feuillue
|es=hierba de leche<br />euforbio de montaña
}}
Monitoring and early control of infestations is important for management. Herbicides and prescribed burning can give good control in open grasslands, but needs to be repeated for a number of years. Even small root fragments which survive can resprout. Several bioagents have been introduced from Europe into North America and have become established. These include, for example, a number of species of ''Aphtona'' beetles, like ''[[Aphthona nigriscutis (weed bioagent)|Aphthona nigriscutis]]''. While the bioagents have had some effects on the weed populations, they have not been able to reduce them to low levels. In contrast to most livestock, goats (and to some extent sheep) are able to graze on leafy spurge.

The plant grows to a height of up to 1 m. It has an extensive and deep root system. The leaves are lanceolate and narrow, up to 10 cm long and up to 1 cm wide. The flowers are small, yellow and are produced in umbels. The seeds are formed in capsules, 3 per capsule, and are egg-shaped, approximately 2-3 mm long, greyish to brownish and often mottled. All parts of the plant contain a milky and toxic sap.


<gallery widths=200px caption="Other images of leafy spurge (Wikimedia Commons, IPM Images and Open Media - click to enlarge)">
File:Euphorbia esula Sturm31.jpg
File:Euphorbia esula habitus 2006.jpeg
File:Euphorbia esula 001.JPG
File:Euphorbia esula JuliaKruse 2.jpg|foliage
File:Euphorbia_esula_IPM5437844.jpg|seedlings
File:Euphorbia_esula_IPM5437851.jpg|seeds
File:Euphorbia_esula_IPM5358594.jpg|infestation
File:Euphorbia_esula_IPM1299179.jpg|infestation
</gallery>

[[Category:Euphorbia (weeds)]]