What is the problem with spurge?
Spurge is a fast grower, and its ability to produce seeds in large quantities only adds to the problem. A single spurge plant can produce thousands of seeds, which can germinate quickly in favorable conditions. Worse yet, these seeds remain viable in the soil for several years, waiting for the opportunity to sprout. To help lessen the chances of it coming back, remove spotted spurge before it has a chance to flower and produce seeds. Small patches of spotted spurge plants can also be killed using a read-to-use lawn weed killer, like Scotts® Spot Weed Control for Lawns.Spotted spurge spreads quickly throughout weak areas in your lawn by producing several thousand seeds per plant. Even though it’s a summer annual, late-season seeds can sprout next spring after lying dormant during cold temperatures.If you’ve got a large spotted spurge problem in the lawn, apply Ortho® WeedClear™ Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray or Ortho® WeedClear™ Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate. Both these products allow you to make broader applications to your lawn, still without harming your grass when used as directed.
What is another name for spurge?
Euphorbia is a large and diverse genus of flowering plants, commonly called spurge, in the family Euphorbiaceae. It will grow in almost any open area, including waste ground, roadsides, pastures, open woods, in sidewalk cracks and in thin lawns. It often grows in poor, compacted soil and generally in full sun. This summer annual in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) can overgrow and smother desirable plants.Shrubby euphorbias, including those that produce stems one year that flower in the next year, are propagated by softwood cuttings. Use the short shoots at the base in early spring.E. Cypress spurge) spread widely by rhizomes and may become invasive. Dig out the excess each spring to prevent them spreading too much.Leafy Spurge is found on roadsides, waste areas, pastures, meadows, and cultivated fields. This weed spreads rapidly by seed and has very persistent roots and rhizomes.
Does spurge spread?
The root system of leafy spurge may spread over 30 feet into the soil which helps the plant outcompete native plants for water and nutrients. Prolific seed production, up to 140 seeds per stem, also helps leafy spurge spread quickly. The seeds may be ejected up to 15 feet away from the plants. Each crown area produces several upright stems, giving the plant a clump-like appearance. The plant bears numerous linear-shaped leaves with smooth margins.
What happens if you touch spurge?
Although the plant may look harmless in your yard, it contains a milky latex substance that can cause blisters, rashes, and even blindness. Imagine that it almost acts like bear spray if you were to touch it to your skin or eyes. It is also poisonous to cattle and wildlife. It poses a danger to people because of its caustic, latex sap, which causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea when ingested. The sap can cause blindness if it gets in people’s eyes. Skin contact with sap causes redness, swelling and blisters.Many Euphorbia species secrete a white, milky sap, called latex, that can cause harmful effects through dermal or mucous membrane contact, particularly ocular exposure.The sap can cause minor skin and eye irritation in humans and may be toxic to animals if ingested. It is also known as spotted sandmat, milk purslane, milk spurge, and spotted pusley.When taken by mouth: Euphorbia cyparissias is unsafe. The plant contains a poisonous white milky liquid and chemicals that can cause cancer, burning in the mouth, vomiting, and diarrhea. Both fresh and dried products are unsafe. When applied to the skin: Euphorbia cyparissias is unsafe.