Spurge, a plant from the Euphorbia genus, is a widespread plant. While some Euphorbia species are ornamental, many are common weeds. It thrives in various environments, appearing frequently in lawns, flowerbeds, and pavement cracks. Understanding its characteristics and habits is important for management.
Identifying Common Spurge
Common spurge varieties have distinct physical traits. Many types, such as Prostrate Spurge and Spotted Spurge, grow low to the ground, forming dense, mat-like patches. Their stems are often reddish and may have fine hairs. Leaves are small, oval, and arranged in opposite pairs. Spotted Spurge, a common type, often features a maroon or reddish-purple spot in the center of its leaves.
Most spurge species have milky white sap that oozes from broken stems or leaves. This latex-like sap identifies plants within the Euphorbia family. Spurge flowers are typically small and inconspicuous, often appearing as greenish or pinkish structures in leaf axils. These develop into three-celled seed capsules, each containing one seed.
Why Spurge Can Be Problematic
Spurge can become a nuisance in gardens due to its rapid, resilient growth. It produces many seeds, spreading quickly and colonizing new areas. Under favorable conditions, spurge can flower and produce seeds within a month of germination, with seeds sometimes viable for up to eight years in the soil.
Its mat-forming growth habit allows it to outcompete desirable plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Spurge is highly adaptable, thriving where other plants struggle, including poor, compacted, or dry soils, and hot, sunny locations. This resilience makes it a persistent weed that diminishes turf quality and other planted areas.
Managing Spurge in Your Garden
Controlling spurge involves a combination of methods. For smaller infestations or young plants, manual removal is effective; hand-pulling or hoeing them out before they produce seeds. When hand-pulling, ensure the entire taproot, which can extend over 24 inches deep, is removed to prevent regrowth. Wear gloves due to the plant’s irritating sap.
Cultural practices can prevent spurge establishment. Applying a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as bark or straw, blocks sunlight and prevents germination. Maintaining a dense, healthy lawn or garden through proper watering and fertilization can crowd out spurge.
For widespread infestations, chemical control methods are an option. Pre-emergent herbicides prevent spurge seeds from sprouting if applied in late winter or early spring before soil temperatures consistently reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Post-emergent herbicides are effective on actively growing, young spurge plants. Always follow product label instructions for safe application.
Safety When Dealing with Spurge
When handling spurge, precautions are necessary due to its milky white sap. This latex-like substance can irritate the skin, causing redness, swelling, or blistering. Direct contact with the eyes can lead to severe issues, including irritation, blurred vision, and even temporary blindness.
Wearing protective gear, such as gloves and long-sleeved clothing, is advisable to prevent skin exposure. Eye protection, like glasses or sunglasses, can shield eyes from accidental sap splashes.
If sap contacts skin, wash affected area with soap and water; rinsing with water alone may not suffice. For eye exposure, flush with cool water for 15-20 minutes and seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Less common, ingestion can cause mouth and throat irritation, vomiting, or diarrhea. Spurge has low severity poison characteristics for humans and pets.