Identifying Leafy Spurge
Biology
Life duration/habit: Leafy spurge is an aggressive, persistent,
deep-rooted perennial, growing to a height of 1 meter (3 ft) or
taller. Vegetative stems manufacture sugars for root reserves
while other stems produce flowers.
Reproduction: Leafy spurge reproduces by vegetative re-growth
from spreading roots and by the production of large quantities
of seeds that are often dispersed by birds, wildlife, humans,
and in rivers and streams.
Roots: Leafy spurge roots are brown with pinkish buds. Plants
are able to maintain high root reserves through an extensive
root system, ranging from a massive network of small lateral
roots near the soil surface [within 30.5 cm (12 in)] to deep,
penetrating taproots that may extend to depths of 3 to 7 meters
(9 to 21 ft). This ability to maintain high root reserves
permits the plant to recover quickly from physical and most
chemical damage.
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Stems and leaves: The stems are thickly clustered and bear
narrow, 2.5 to 10 cm (1 to 4 in) long leaves that are
alternately arranged along the stems. When damaged, leaves and
stems produce a milky latex.
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Flowers: The small flowers are yellowish-green, arranged in
clusters, and enclosed in yellow-green bracts.
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Fruits and seeds: Seeds are oblong, gray to purple, and occur in
clusters of three. When dry, the seed capsules shatter,
scattering seeds away from the plant.
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text authors: N.E. Rees, N.R. Spencer, L.V. Knutson, L.
Fornasari, P.C. Quimby, Jr., R.W. Pemberton, and R.M. Nowierski
Ready for a closer look