Facts About Myrtle Spurge

• Myrtle Spurge is on the Department of Agriculture’s noxious weed list as a Type A (must eliminate) in Colorado.
• It is a perennial weed that contains toxins that can cause severe allergic reactions.
• This noxious weed was first introduced to North America as an ornamental plant.
• The seeds of this weed can remain viable for about 8 years, so it’s a good idea to remove it before it goes to seed.
• This weed is considered noxious because it will outcompete native species and has a toxic milky sap.
• Myrtle Spurge is capable of launching seeds up to about 15 feet.

Ideal Conditions for Weed Growth

Myrtle Spurge is a drought tolerant weed typically seen from mid-spring to early summer. It prefers partly sunny to sunny areas and well drained soils. It will flower in early spring with small yellow flowers.

How to Control Myrtle Spurge

It is on the Department of Agriculture’s noxious weed list as a Type A (must eliminate) in Colorado. This weed is on the noxious weed list because it will outcompete native plants and has a toxic milky sap than can cause blistering and is poisonous if ingested.  Because of the toxins it is suggested to wear gloves, long sleeves, pants, and eyewear when removing this weed by hand. You will want to make sure to remove as much of the taproot as possible because it can come back from portions of the taproot left behind. As with many weeds, proper cultural practices will help to control any weed from taking over. This includes watering properly, mowing tall, and feeding the lawn organic matter. When found in non-turf areas if you have dense, lush foliage this can help to keep this weed from taking over. Organo-Lawn gets control of this weed by using a spot treatment of a synthetic rock/mulch spray. Unfortunately, there are no organic options to control this invasive weed.

Is this myrtle spurge?

Cushion Spurge is a relative of Myrtle Spurge but not on the noxious weeds list. It does still have a toxic milky sap if cut open, so you want to be careful if you have kids and pets that like to play near this plant.