Leafy Spurge

In the world of weeds, leafy spurge has many features that make it a major contender. In addition to seed pods that can project seeds up to 15 feet in every direction, the plant also reproduces by root runners. And those seeds – approximately 130,000 per plant – can wait out harsh conditions and germinate a full eight years after dropping.

But, as Apple’s Steve Jobs used to say, there’s one more thing. Leafy spurge also has an admirable nutrient storage system that allows the plant to thrive better than most plants in the world. It’s estimated that this noxious weed only taps into a mere 20 percent of its stored nutrients as it reproduces. That means that environmental conditions could get four times harsher and leafy spurge would still thrive.

Leafy Spurge Management Options

With a plant so adept at surviving, Leafy spurge management and eradication efforts must be very focused. Although cattle generally won’t graze in leafy spurge infestations, sheep and goats are a natural elimination option in the spring. But according to Colorado State University, it’s important to monitor any grazing efforts since overgrazing to bare ground results in providing the weed exactly the type of habitat necessary to flourish.

Flea beetles are another natural Leafy spurge management option, but are available from the Colorado State Insectary on a very limited basis in order to avoid a flea beetle population explosion.

A combination of chemical treatments applied in the spring, summer and fall has been shown to offer successful results for large expanses of leafy spurge that are encroaching on pasture land. Sooner is always better with this weed because of its extremely competitive nature. In just one season it can take over dozens of acres.

If you suspect a leafy spurge infestation on your property, contact SprayTech, Colorado commercial and residential weed control experts, at 720-248-0000 to discuss Leafy spurge management options.