01 May Weed Wednesday – Leafy Spurge
Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula)
This noxious (MUST be controlled) weed is a long-lived perennial with creeping roots capable of extending 4.5 m laterally and 9 m deep. With explosive seed pods, it should be on your lookout list! With roots like that, imagine the amount of moisture it steals from desired vegetation. While most of Leafy Spurge infestations in Special Areas are located near the Red Deer and South Saskatchewan rivers, it grows in a wide range of soil types and climates.
This species exudes a white milky latex which can be toxic to cattle; however, it is grazable by goats and sheep. Control of this species takes an integrated approach of grazing, herbicide control (Grazon XC) and biological beetle release.
The most important method is prevention. Do NOT hay this species, check any forage you buy for it to make sure it is not a contaminant of seed.
For more information on Leafy Spurge visit: https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.67/yjc.cc8.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/N_FS-LeafySpurge.pdf?time=1617028665
See a noxious weed? Contact your local Ag. Fieldman as we may be able to help you with control.
