Myrtle Spurge
Euphorbia myrsinites
Washington State Classification
Class B — Control Required (Designated)
Myrtle spurge escapes cultivation and is aggressive, crowding out native species.
Required control in Region 1 (all western Washington counties)
Quick Reference
Identification
Growth Habit
Myrtle spurge is a perennial, herbaceous plant. Mature plants are 4 to 6 inches tall and spread up to 18 inches wide. Leaves, stems, and roots all exude a milky, caustic sap when broken.
Leaves
Leaves are alternate, in close spirals, fleshy, and blue-green.
Flowers
Flowers are inconspicuous, yellow and are surrounded by a showy yellow-green bract.
Fruit & Seeds
It has small seeds that can be projected from plant up to 15 feet. Seeds can survive in soil for around 8 years.
Impact
Myrtle spurge escapes cultivation and is aggressive, crowding out native species. It poses a danger to people because of its caustic, latex sap, which causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea when ingested. The sap can cause blindness if it gets in people's eyes. Skin contact with sap causes redness, swelling and blisters.
Ecology & Spread
Habitat
Myrtle spurge is an escaped ornamental that inhabits open areas such as fields, rangelands, gardens, disrupted areas, roadsides and waste places. Please click here to see a county level distribution map of myrtle spurge in Washington.
Spread Mechanisms
Reproduction
Myrtle spurge reproduces by seed. Roots fragmented by cultivation can produce new plants.
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Control Methods
Mechanical
- Small infestations can successfully be dug or pulled. In order to gain control over a population it must be pulled over multiple years. Pull plants early in the season to prior to seed formation. Use caution when pulling to not get any sap on your skin. If sap contacts skin make sure to wash that area.