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Class B Noxious Weed

Spurge Laurel
Daphne laureola
 

Other common names: Daphne, Daphne spurge, Daphne-laurel, laurel-leaved
daphne, olive-spurge, wood laurel, copse laurel
 Plant family: Thymelaeaceae
Year listed: 2007
Native to: Europe

Why is it a noxious weed?

Spurge laurel is considered problematic in Garry Oak and similar ecosystems in British Columbia, it has the  ability to rapidly colonize areas, forming monotypic stands, competing with native plants.

All parts of the Spurge laurel plant are highly toxic, including the berries, leaves, and milky sap. 

 

How would I identify it?
General Description: Spurge laurel is an evergreen shrub that reaches a height between 0.5-1.5 meters. The shrub habit can be upright or decumbent (arched at the base then spreading upward). Mature bark is gray with a yellow hue, while young branches are green.

Leaves:

  • alternate
  • abundant at shoot tips
  • oblanceolte to obovate-oblanceolate
  • between 2 - 13 cm long
  • 1-3 cm wide
  • smooth
  • dark green
  • shiny on the top
  • lighter in color underneath

Flowers:

  • small
  • very fragrant
  • inconspicuous yellow-green flowers, clusters at the base of the leaves

  Stems:

Line drawings are taken from 1,000 Weeds of North America, copyright of XID Service, Inc and used with permission. Permission granted by the author.

How does it reproduce?
Spurge laurel reproduces by seed, also can reproduce vegetatively through the production of root sprouts.

Where does it grow?

Spurge laurel will grow in sun or shade, and looks the best with some of both. Look for it in the forest understory.

What is the distribution in Washington State?
 
  • Spurge laurel has been documented in Clallam, Cowlitz, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Pierce San Juan, Thurston, and Whatcom counties. It is particularly abundant in Orcas and San Juan Islands and in urban forests of King County.
  • Distribution map not available at this time.

How do I control it?

General control methods: Due to the irritating toxins in the sap, stem, leaves, and fruits, it is advisable to wear gloves and other protective gear when handling Spurge laurel.

Cultural:  No information at this time.

Herbicide: Please refer to the PNW Weed Management Handbook, or contact your county noxious weed coordinator.

Mechanical: Hand pulling small infestations is effective. Larger shrubs too small to pull can be cut below soil line.

Biological: None available in Washington at this time.

For more information
For more information, download our Written Findings.

View the Garden Wise Eastern Washington and Western Washington Guides for better noninvasive plant recommendations for your yard or garden.

More Photos-Click photo to enlarge
Feel free to download, or contact us to receive high-resolution JPEG or TIFF formats
       
    Escaped spurge laurel. Spurge laurel leaves close up.

 

    

 Photos courtesy of Thurston County Noxious Weed Control.

Last updated September 10, 2008