Weed ID

LEAFY SPURGE

Euphorbiaceae or Spurge Family
Euphorbia esula

GROWTH HABIT: Perennial, grows up to 3 feet tall.

LEAVES: Long narrow leaves, usually dropping.

STEMS: Branched near top, hairless, entire plant contains milky white sap.

FLOWERS: Inconspicuous, surrounded by large heart shaped floral leaves that turn yellow green near maturity.

ROOTS: Vertical and horizontal roots. Main vertical roots can penetrate 26 feet deep. Horizontal rhizomatous roots, near the soil surface, extend outward from the parent plant 15 feet per year.

SEEDS: Produces up to 140 seeds per plant, viable up to 8 years or longer. Projects seeds up to 15 feet from the base of the plant. Seeds float on water.

REPRODUCES: Large number of buds on each root and by seed. Each bud is capable of producing a new, independent plant.

HABITAT: Riparian areas to dry hills.

"The one with the 26 foot long root!"