leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) Chemical Control
Disclaimer
Description of Plant:
The root is reddish brown and contains pink colored buds at the crown (top of root, just below surface) when the top growth is removed, new shoots will develop from these buds. The roots can penetrate to approximately 15 feet. It is a perennial (grows back every year from the roots). The stems can be 3/4 foot to 4 feet tall; it contains a milky sap that is toxic to many animals. The stem growth starts in April. The leaves are 1 to 4 inches long, bluish-green, although they turn yellowish or reddish-orange in late summer. The flowers form petal-like structures called bracts (the cover of the flower that holds it to the stem). These yellow bracts appear in May. Seeds grow in the pods on top of the bract. The pod is the fruit. When mature, the pods open and can throw seeds up to 15 feet from the parent plant. Each stem can produce 140 seeds. The seeds can germinate (grow) up to 8 years after thrown from is parent plant. They are smooth, oblong, and light gray to dark brown in color.
Useful Herbicides:
The most useful and recommended herbicides for this weed are: 2, 4- D, Amitrol 240, Arsenal, Calmix Pellets, Casoron, Gramoxone, Hybor- D, Hyvar X- XL, IPCO Granular Soil Sterilant, Karmex DF, Krovar I.
Herbicide Brand
How To Apply
When To Apply
Comments
2, 4-D
Aircraft or Ground equipment
After foliage is fully developed
Hormone type herbicide
Amitrol 240
Ground equipment , hand sprayer
Not after October 1st
If swallowed, seek medical attention
Arsenal
Licensed applicator only
To actively growing weeds
Apply in sufficient water
Calmix Pellets
Spreader or shaker
In fall or early spring
Do not use near lawns or flower beds
Casoron
Ground granular applicator
When soil temps. are cool
Do not use on light sandy soils
Gramoxone
Ground equipment only
Prior to crop emergence
Use only clean water
Hybor- D
Shaker box
In fall or early spring
Do not use near lawns or flower beds
Hyvar X- XL
Power sprayer or back pack
Just before active weed growth
Do not apply to brush in water
Karmex DF
Field or hand sprayer
At any time
Do not use on sand
IPCO Granular Soil Sterilant
N/ A
N/A
N/A
Krovar I
Boom sprayer
During the Spring
Wear protection
You Can Find More Information On Chemical Controls for leafy spurge On These Selected Sites:
http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/plantsci/weeds/w866w.htm
http://www.mtweed.org/Identification/spurge/spurge.html
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/invasives/fact/spurge.htm
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/natres/03107.html
http://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weed_info/Written_findings/Euphorbia_esula.html
http://www.citymoosejaw.com/departments/parks/horticulture/leafyspurge.shtml
http://www.efn.org/~ipmpa/Noxlspur.html
http://www.invasive.org/eastern/biocontrol/14LeafySpurge.html
http://www.ci.lincoln.ne.us/cnty/weeds/spurge.htm
http://www.co.larimer.co.us/weeds/management/MgtLeafySpurge.htm
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By: Drew Malchi, 1/31/03.
Updated by: JD 2/14/06