Euphorbia esula L.

Leafy Spurge

Identification

Leafy Spurge

Euphorbia esula L.

Life cycle: Perennial
Height: Up to 3 ft

Leafy spurge is an erect perennial up to 3 feet tall that spreads by seed or roots. Leaves are alternate, long and narrow, about 1/4 inch wide and 2 inches long.

Stems are hairless, contain a milky sap and branch at the top. The true flowers are surrounded by large, heart shaped floral leaves that turn yellow green.

Roots are deep, spreading and persistent, brown in color with numerous pink buds.

Control

Controlling leafy spurge

Best timing: Timing is critical. Fall treatments with imazapic give better long term control, and glyphosate works after seed filling in midsummer or after fall regrowth starts but before a killing frost.
Mowing and pulling: Mowing alone or burning alone does not work, but mowing every two to four weeks cuts seed production. Sheep and goats can suppress it if they start grazing early in spring.
Herbicide: Dicamba, quinclorac (Facet L), aminocyclopyrachlor (Method) and picloram (Tordon) are the most effective. Tordon with Plateau in June improves control.
Biological control: Flea beetles (Aphthona lacertosa and A. nigriscutis) are the most effective agents. They do poorly in sandy soil and where flooding lasts a long time.

Always follow the product label, and check rates in the North Dakota Weed Control Guide from NDSU. Your county weed control officer can tell you what fits your land. Source: NDSU Extension W1411 (December 2025).

Videos