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Leafy Spurge

Euphorbia esula

Description 2

Leafy Spurge is a deep-rooted perennial with tiny greenish-yellow owers. When the plant is injured, a milky
white sap will flow out that may cause severe irritation to human skin. The plant mainly multiplies by growing
shoots from the extensive root system. It may also grow from seed. Leafy Spurge is considered noxious throughout most of its range including BC and Alaska.

Range in Yukon 3

Known only from the vicinity of Dawson City.

Similar Species 3

Cypress Spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias), which is a non-invasive garden plant in Haines, Alaska.

Ecological Impact 3

This invasive plant can form large monospecific stands. Most grazing animals avoid it.

Control 3

Leafy Spurge is extremely dif cult to remove once established due to its extensive root system, making it one of the top 10 invasive plants in North America. Plants require depletion of nutrient reserves in the root system, prevention of seed production and prevention of dispersal. Burning and mowing are ineffective. Annual herbicide application and hand-pulling may deplete the root system. Rhizomes and flowering plants must be disposed of through burning.

Sources and Credits

  1. (c) Matt Lavin, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://www.flickr.com/photos/plant_diversity/5143745979/
  2. Adapted by stephw782 from a work by (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphorbia_esula
  3. (c) stephw782, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

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