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N A T U R A L R E S O U R C E S ~ S E R I E S Quick Facts... Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) is a creeping perennial that reproduces from seed and vegetative root buds. It can reduce cattle carrying capacity of rangeland or pastures by 50 to 75 percent. Leafy spurge is difficult to control. Its extensive root system has vast nutrient stores that let it recover from control attempts. Combine control methods into a system to achieve best results. RANGE Leafy Spurge no. 3.107 by K.G. Seck' Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) is a creeping, herbaceous perennial weed of foreign origin that reproduces from seed and vegetative root buds. It can reduce rangeland cattle carrying capacity by 50 to 75 percent. About half of this loss is from decreased grass production, Cattle won't graze in dense leafy spurge stands and these areas area 100 percent loss to producers. A ] 990 survey found 44,000 acres in Colorado infested with leafy spurge. In 2002, the Colorado Department of Agrigculture conducted afollow-up survey and found more than 73,800 infested acres of leafy spurge. Leafy spurge is an erect plant that grows 1 to 3 feet tall. Leaves are bluish- green with smooth margins, 0.25 inch to 0.5 inch wide, and 1 inch to 4 inches long. Umbel flowers are surrounded by heart-shaped, showy, yellow-green bracts. (An umbel looks like the stays of an umbrella if it is held upside down.) Flowers occur in many clusters toward the top of the plant. Seeds aze round to oblong, about 1/12 inch long, gray or mottled brown with a dark Line on one side. Leafy spurge contains a white milky latex in all plant parts. Latex distinguishes leafy spurge from some other.weeds (e.g., yellow toadflax), particularly when plants are in a vegetative growth stage. Leafy spurge has an extensive root system that is abundant in the top foot of soil, and it may grow 15 feet deep or more. Roots contain substantial nutrient reserves that allow the weed to recover from stress, including control efforts. Many vegetative buds along roots grow into new shoots. This contributes to its persistence and spread. Phenology Leafy spurge shoots originate in eazly spring from crown tissue just below the soil surface and from sporadic buds along the root system. Leafy spurge is very competitive, one of [he first plants to emerge each spring, and uses moisture and nutrients that otherwise would be available for more desirable vegetation. Flowering occurs primarily in April and May but may occur through fall. Bracts emerge about two weeks before flowers and give leafy spurge the (~^'(~~~~ appeazance of flowering. For optimum herbicide application timing, it is important to recognize we flower emergence. Each flowering shoot produces an average of 140 seeds. Seeds aze ® expelled up to 15 feet when capsules dry. They are viable up to eight years in ~., ~~ ~, xterlSloT1 soil. Water, birds, animals and people aid seed dispersal. Seeds readily float and waterways are good sources for new infestations. Peak seed germination generally occurs in May. Seedlings quickly ®Colorado State universiry Cooperative Extension. voo. acquire the ability to reproduce vegetatively by developing buds on roots within Revised 3/03. 10 to 12 da s after emer ence. Perennial leaf s ur a is more difficult to control Y g Y P g www.ext.colosiate.edu than seedlings.