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Rangeland-Pasture Recommendations <br /> Leafy spurge Identification and Management <br /> Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) is a non-native deep-rooted perennial that <br /> t spreads by seeds and extensive, creeping roots. The roots can extend as deep as <br /> 30 feet into the soil and are extremely wide-spreading. The roots are brown and <br /> contain numerous pink buds that generally produce new shoots or roots. Leafy <br /> ' spurge can grow from 1 to 3 feet in height. The stems are smooth,pale green, and <br /> thickly clustered. Leaves are alternate,narrow, linear, and 1 to 4 inches long. The <br /> flowers are very small and yellowish-green. They are enclosed by very visible <br /> yellowish-green,heart-shaped bracts. The entire plant contains white, milky sap <br /> that exudes readily upon stem or leaf breakage. This sap can be damaging to <br /> eyes and sensitive skin. <br /> ' Leafy spurge is one of the earliest plants to emerge in the spring. Flower <br /> clusters develop 1 to 2 weeks after stem emergence which is from mid-April to <br /> late May. One large leafy spurge plant can produce up 130,000 seeds. Three- <br /> sided seed capsules explode when ripe and project the seeds up to 15 feet away <br /> from the parent plant. <br /> ir <br /> too 4 <br /> Dense leafy spurge <br /> 00�' infestation near the, <br /> S.Platte River <br /> Leafy spurge has adapted to a wide variety of habitats in the state and is <br /> ' very competitive with other plant species. Where it becomes established in <br /> rangeland, pasture, and riparian sites, it crowds out all other vegetation. The <br /> ' competitive, rapidly growing, and extensive root system makes leafy spurge <br /> very difficult to manage. Develop a management plan that uses several control <br /> methods that are compatible with your site. <br /> ' The most effective method of control for leafy spurge is to prevent its <br /> establishment through proper land management. Maintain healthy pastures and <br /> rangeland and continually monitor your property for new infestations. New <br /> ' infestations are much more easily controlled than established infestations. <br /> On the backside of this sheet are leafy spurge management <br /> recommendations. If you have any questions,please contact the Weld County <br /> Public Works Dept.,Weed Division at(970) 304-6496 ext. 3770. Please visit our <br /> website www.weldweeds.org. <br />