Euphorbia virgata (weed)
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Author(s): Hermann Schachner
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Euphorbia virgata (weed) 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 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.
| Vernacular names | |
|---|---|
| • Deutsch: | Rutenförmige Wolfsmilch |
| • English: | leafy spurge |
| • Español: | hierba de leche euforbio de montaña |
| • Français: | euphorbe feuillue |
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. 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.
- Other images of leafy spurge (Wikimedia Commons, IPM Images and Open Media - click to enlarge)
foliage
seedlings
seeds
infestation
infestation
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