10 Jun Weed Wednesday – Leafy Spurge
Posted at 08:00h
in Chewing Cud
This weeks Weed Wednesday feature is: Leafy Spurge!
Leafy Spurge is a noxious weed that continues to spread across Alberta, especially in pastures, rangelands, and disturbed areas. Early detection is crucial to prevent large infestations.
How to identify it:
- Bright green, narrow leaves arranged alternately along the stem
- Small, yellow-green flowers in clusters at the leaf axils
- Milky white sap released when stems or leaves are broken
- Deep, extensive root system that makes it difficult to control – roots up to 5 m long!
Why it’s considered noxious:
- Reduces forage quality and pasture productivity
- Outcompetes desirable plants, forming dense, hard-to-manage stands
- Spreads aggressively through seeds and extensive roots
- Poisonous to cattle – sheep and goats tolerate it more.
What should you do:
- If you think you’ve found Leafy Spurge or need help identifying it, contact your local Agricultural Fieldman for verification and management advice.
- Early action helps protect your land and prevent the spread of this invasive weed.
To learn more about Leafy Spurge, visit: https://abinvasives.ca/fact-sheet/leafy-spurge/
