Leafy Spurge along Bear Creek
Have you seen this weed? Leafy spurge is appearing along Bear Creek. Learn more about what local noxious weed experts are doing to keep this plant at bay.
Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula)
Native to Eurasia, leafy spurge was introduced to North America in the late 1800s likely through grain imported from Russia. Today it can be found across the Great Plains and much of the western U.S. In Oregon, it is listed as a class B noxious weed. It is common in the eastern part of the state and has been found in the Rogue Valley. Surveys since the Almeda Fire have documented several patches along Bear Creek between Ashland and Medford.
A deep-rooted perennial that emerges in May, leafy spurge has narrow green leaves and grows up to three feet tall. Tiny flowers emerge in July, but the round, bright yellow bracts are a more noticeable feature. Pulling leafy spurge is not an effective method of control and caution should be exercised as the white latex sap can severely irritate the skin. Herbicide treatment can be effective but can take between 5 to 10 years to work.
There are many ornamental Euphorbia species but not all species are problematic. Leafy spurge is uncommon in southern Oregon and should be reported if found. Detecting spurge patches before they become well-established may be the only way to keep this weed from significantly impacting habitat in southern Oregon.
If you see this plant, please make note of where you are along the Greenway (mile markers are great) and report your sighting to one of the organizations that is part of the Bear Creek Restoration Initiative. BCRI organizations will make sure that someone capable of treating leafy spurge evaluates each sighting, giving us all a chance to “purge the leafy spurge.”
By Kyle Strauss – Strauss Ecological Services
Sources :
ODA Noxious Weed Profiles: https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/weeds/oregonnoxiousweeds/pages/aboutoregonweeds.aspx#leafy-spurge
https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/weedcontrol/noxiouslist/leafyspurge
