(Euphorbia esula)
Common Names: Wolf's-milk
History
Leafy Spurge is native to Europe. It was introduced to North America from ships or as a seed contaminant in the early 1800s.
Physical Description
General: A deeply rooted, erect perennial that grows from 40-90 cm (15-36") tall. Stems are pale green, hairless, tough, and smooth. A milky white sap is secreted from all parts of the plant when damaged. Spreads rapidly by seed production and vegetative reproduction.
Leaves: Numerous smooth narrow green leaves 2-7.5 cm (3/4-3") are found along the stems.
Flowers and Fruit: Flowers are not prominent and found at the tip of the stems. They are arranged in numerous small clusters surrounded by green to yellow heart shaped bracts (modified leaves). Flowers appear from May to July. Fruit is a 3-seeded capsule that explodes upon ripening and hurtles seeds up to 5 m (16') from the plant.
[A] Milky latex sap found in all parts of the plant. [B] Flea beetle feeding on leafy spurge, view of flower. [C] View of whole plant. [D] An area infested with leafy spurge.
Photos: [A] N. E. Rees, USDA agricultural research service [B] USDA APHIS PPQ archive [C] W. M.Ciesla, Forest health management international (bugwood.org); [D] M. Ammeter
Threat
Leafy Spurge is capable of dominating habitats. All parts of the plant contain poisonous latex sap capable ofkilling cattle and causing dermatitis in humans and livestock.
Distribution
Leafy spurge is very problematic in Manitoba, and is especially concentrated in the southwest. Check vehicles, livestock forage and seed stock for Leafy Spurge seeds and plants.
2011 Rural Municipality Distribution Map
2010 Rural Municipality Distribution Map
Leafy Spurge MWSA 2009Â Survey Map
Leafy Spurge Economic Impact Assessment Report 2010
Best Management Practices 2010
Alberta Invasive Plant Council Fact Sheet
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Plesae refer to the Manitoba-based Leafy Spurge Stakeholders Group for additional detail, biocontrol and management recommendations:Â www.leafyspurge.ca
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