- 1-2 foot tall
- Greenish-yellow flower bracts
- Simple and opposite leaves
- A white, milky sap exudes if the stem or leaves are cut
- Grows in full to part sun in range of soil types and moisture
If you see leafy spurge, please report it on EDDMaps: www.eddmaps.org/
For more information and control methods see:
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/herbaceous/leafyspurge.html
https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/weedcontrol/noxiouslist/leafyspurge
Biological control is an option for reducing large infestations of leafy spurge. Adult leafy spurge beetles (Aphthona lacertosa) feed on the leaves and lay eggs at the base of spurge plants. Larvae feed on the roots over the winter until they pupate and emerge as adults the following summer. See: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/weedcontrol/noxiouslist/leafyspurge/leafyspurge
Photo at Anoka Nature Preserve. 7.3.2019