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Class B Noxious Weed

Myrtle Spurge
Euphorbia myrsinites L
synonym: Tithymalus myrsinites L.
 

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Other common names: Creeping spurge, Donkey Tail spurge
 Plant family: Euphorbiaceae
Year listed: 2003
Native to: Eurasia

Why is it a noxious weed?
Myrtle spurge can crowd out native habitat for wildlife. It poses danger to adults and children, because of it's caustic latex sap. The sap causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when ingested. If the sap comes in contact with the skin, it causes redness, swelling and blisters. Myrtle spurge was introduced as an ornamental plant because of it's deer resistance and adaptation to dry soil. Myrtle spurge escaped cultivation, and has shown to be aggressive like other Euphorbia species.

How would I identify it?
General Description: Myrtle spurge is a perennial herb, mature plants are 4-6 inches tall spreading up to 18 inches laterally. Leaves, stems, and roots all exude a milky, irritating sap when broken

Leaves:

  • alternate in close spirals
  • fleshy
  • blue-green

Flowers:

  • inconspicuous
  • surround a showy yellow-green bract

Stems:

  • low spreading, trailing
  • fleshy

How does it reproduce?
Myrtle spurge  reproduces by seed. Roots fragmented by cultivation can produce new plants.

Where does it grow?
Myrtle spurge is an escaped ornamental that inhabits disrupted areas and waste places.

What is the distribution in Washington State?

 

 

 

Click on map to enlarge.
  • Myrtle spurge has been documented in San Juan, Kittitas, Pend Orielle and Franklin counties.
  • Distribution map based on 2003 data.

How do I control it?

General control methods: Hand control methods must be done over a number of years to achieve success. Use caution when pulling to not get any sap on your skin. If sap encounters skin make sure to wash the area of contact.

Cultural: Information not available at this time.

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

Mechanical: Small infestations can successfully be dug or pulled, it must be pulled over multiple years.

Biological: None known.

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.

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 Last updated October 01, 2008