Skip to Left navigation Skip to Main content Skip to Footer

University of Minnesota Extension
www.extension.umn.edu
612-624-1222

Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > Is this plant a weed? > Broadleaf Weeds > Upright > Leafy Spurge

Print Icon Email Icon Share Icon

Leafy Spurge

Euphorbia esula L.

  • Image: broadleaf Plantain
  • Image: broadleaf Plantain
  • Image: broadleaf Plantain
  • - CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE -

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

Plants that look similar:

  • Yellow Toadflax
  • Cypress Spurge
  • Cushion spurge
  • ‘Chameleon’ Purple Spurge

More information and control options for Leafy Spurge

Did this tool help you identify the weed? Tell us.