trefle.io · Taken May 13, 2021 by Cristian Zanella Cristian Zanella (cc-by-sa)
Euphorbiaceae
Leafy spurge
Euphorbia esula
Also known as Euphorbion esulum, Galarhoeus esula, spurge, Keraselma esula
Native Plants · Invasive Weed · Noxious Weed · Euphorbia · Spurge · Toxic Sap · Weed Control · Perennial Weed · Latex · Rangeland Pest
Leafy spurge is an aggressive, deep-rooted perennial weed that spreads rapidly via both seed and an extensive root system, making it notoriously difficult to control once established. It is classified as a noxious invasive weed across much of North America and is not recommended for intentional planting in any garden setting. Its milky latex sap is a skin and eye irritant, so protective gloves should always be worn when handling.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 7 hours
- Watering
- Minimal; plant is adapted to dry to average soils and does not require irrigation once established · Rainfall-dependent; supplemental watering rarely needed
- Maintenance
- High
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 7–7.5
- Temperature
- -30°F to 95°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
Hardiness
USDA 4a-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 6 in – 5 ft
- Spacing
- 18 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- No
- Foliage
- Medium
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Afghanistan, Albania, Altay, Amur, Austria, Azores, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Buryatiya, Central European Rus, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Chita, Corse, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, East European Russia
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies, Moths
Sources: trefle, usda
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