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Is this plant a weed?

Leafy Spurge, Euphorbia esula L.

Found in:

  • Prairie and landscape plantings

Characteristics:

  • Perennial that grows 2-3’ tall
  • Green stems are topped with clusters of yellow-green bracts
  • Long, narrow leaves arise alternately along stem
  • Small flowers within the bracts bloom June through Aug
  • Plants have a deep, wide-spreading root system
  • Suckers can arise from the crown and along roots
  • All plant parts contain a milky sap (latex)

Significance

Plants that look similar:

  • Yellow Toadflax
  • Cypress Spurge
  • Cushion spurge
  • ‘Chameleon’ Purple Spurge

More information and control options for Leafy Spurge...

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