Myrtle Spurge

Myrtle Spurge is an ornamental that some people once planted in their yards. It is a perennial that produces new stems from the taproot each year. The plants are 4 to 6 inches tall, have trailing stems, and fleshy, blue-green, triangle-shaped leaves. In the spring they produce clusters of small yellow flowers on top of each stem.

Myrtle Spurge Plant

MYRTLE SPURGE

Euphorbia myrsinites

Also known as:

Creeping Spurge

Donkey Tail (spurge)

Myrtle spurge is not only dangerous to native plants and wildlife; it is dangerous to you and your family. The most common victims of myrtle spurge are children who unassumingly pick the pretty flowers. Myrtle spurge produces a toxic, milky latex which causes severe blister-like burns if it touches your skin. If it gets in your eyes, seek medical attention!

Myrtle Spurge Plants in Field

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IT'S AGAINST THE LAW!

The Colorado Noxious Weed Act, §§ 35-5.5-101-119 C.R.S (2003) designates myrtle spurge as a Class A Noxious Weed that must be eradicated. It is a violation of this law to allow myrtle spurge to “produce seed or develop other reproductive propagules.”

HOW CAN YOU COMPLY WITH THE LAW?

Remove myrtle spurge from your property by digging up mature plants and pulling up new seedlings.
Protect yourself from the toxic sap, wear gloves, longs sleeves, pants and eye protection when handling this plant.
If the plants are in flower, be sure to bag the plants carefully and take them to a solid waste landfill.
Do not buy or plant myrtle spurge. It is ILLEGAL to sell this plant in Colorado
If you see myrtle spurge on public or private lands in the City of Longmont , report it to the proper agency – CITY OF LONGMONT CODE ENFORCEMENT @ 303-651-8695 or 303-651-8321.

close-up of myrtle spurge

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