Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > Is this plant a weed? > Broadleaf Weeds > Upright > Leafy Spurge
Leafy Spurge
Euphorbia esula L.
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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
- Minnesota Primary Noxious Weed
- Milky sap may cause dermatitis on sensitive skin
Plants that look similar:
- Yellow Toadflax
- Cypress Spurge
- Cushion spurge
- ‘Chameleon’ Purple Spurge
