Leafy Spurge
Management Prioritization
Identification
Common Name: Leafy Spurge
Scientific Name: Euphorbia esula L.
Related Species: Cypress spurge, Euphorbia cyparissias L.
Legal Status: Prohibited - Control
Efforts must be made to prevent seed maturation and dispersal of plants into new areas. Additionally, no transportation, propagation, or sale of these plants is allowed. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action by the county or local municipality. Minnesota Noxious Weed Law .
Background
Leafy spurge is native to Eurasia and has become widespread throughout the United States. It was introduced to Minnesota in 1890 and by 1992, it was estimated that there were 800,000 infested acres in the state.
In response, approximately 9 million leafy spurge beetles (Aphthona lacertosa) have been released as a biological control at over 2,000 sites in Minnesota since 1994. Biological control with the beetles has been very cost-effective and has greatly reduced infestations at most sites. The use of beetles to control spurge continues to be a collaborative effort with public and private land managers, County Agricultural Inspectors, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).
Leafy spurge plants typically grow in clusters and can reach 4 feet tall.
Seedling
Leafy spurge seedlings emerge early in spring.
Leaves
Leafy spurge leaves are simple, linear, and opposite each other on the stem. They are green to blue-grey. If the leaves are cut, a distinctive white, milky latex sap exudes.
Leafy spurge leaves and milky sap.
Stem
One plant can send up clusters of multiple stems that arise from the same underground root system. If the stems are cut, a distinctive white, milky latex sap exudes.
Leafy spurge stem with milky sap.
Flowers
Leafy spurge flowers are on thin stems and bloom in May to June. Flowers have large fan-shaped greenish-yellow bracts.
Cluster of yellow/green leafy spurge flowers.
Seeds
Leafy spurge seed explodes from the seedpods and can travel up to 20 feet. The seed is durable and can remain viable up to 10 years
Leafy spurge seeds.
Roots and Rhizomes
As a perennial plant, leafy spurge has a robust underground root system. Each plant can produce large clumps of shoots from extensive underground stems (rhizomes) and roots.
Leafy spurge root with clump of shoots.
Distribution
Current Distribution Model
- Point data collected from EDDMapS; not all locations in the state have been recorded, but points on distribution map have been reported and verified.
- Distribution model takes location data and environmental factors into account to create a prediction of current distribution.
Management Prioritization
Influenced by:
- distribution models
- actual reports
- economic benefits
- land cover
- conservation features
- trails
High priority areas surround areas of high density to prevent further large infestations and loss of biodiversity.
Infestation Examples
01 / 03
1
General Infested Area
Population in the midst of other populations; management here is involved.
2
Leading Edge
Sparse populations in the transition from infested areas to un-infested areas; management here is simple.
3
Isolated Population
Location far from other known populations.
Lifecycle: Treatment Timing
Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The Trust Fund is a permanent fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources. Currently 40% of net Minnesota State Lottery proceeds are dedicated to growing the Trust Fund and ensuring future benefits for Minnesota’s environment and natural resources.
