Leafy Spurge: The Invasive Plant You Should Never Intentionally Grow
If you’ve stumbled across this post hoping to learn how to grow leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) in your garden, I’ve got some important news for you: please don’t! This perennial forb might look harmless enough with its yellow-green spring display, but it’s actually one of North America’s most problematic invasive plants. Let me explain why this European native has earned such a notorious reputation and what you should do if you find it on your property.
What Exactly is Leafy Spurge?
Leafy spurge is a perennial forb – basically a non-woody plant that comes back year after year. Originally from Europe and Asia, this plant has unfortunately made itself far too comfortable across North America. It’s characterized by its blue-green foliage and distinctive yellow-green bracts (modified leaves that look like flowers) that appear in spring and early summer.
As a member of the spurge family, this plant produces a milky white sap that’s not only irritating to skin and eyes but can also be toxic if ingested. So even from a safety standpoint, it’s not exactly garden-friendly!
Why Leafy Spurge is a Garden (and Ecosystem) Villain
Here’s where things get serious. Leafy spurge isn’t just mildly aggressive – it’s downright destructive. This plant has earned invasive status in multiple states and is actually prohibited from being planted in several locations:
- Connecticut: Invasive and Prohibited
- Missouri: Invasive (Department of Conservation listing)
- New Hampshire: Prohibited
- Wisconsin: Restricted
- Alaska: Noxious weed with Prohibited status
The reason for these strict classifications? Leafy spurge is incredibly good at taking over. It spreads both by seeds and through an extensive underground root system that can extend up to 30 feet in all directions. Once established, it forms dense colonies that crowd out native plants and can significantly alter entire ecosystems.
Where You’ll Find This Troublemaker
Unfortunately, leafy spurge has already spread to an impressive (and troubling) number of locations across North America. You can find established populations throughout Canada in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon. In the United States, it’s present in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
That’s a lot of territory for one troublesome plant! The fact that it can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 9 shows just how adaptable and persistent this species can be.
Growing Conditions (That You Should Know to Avoid Encouraging It)
Part of what makes leafy spurge so problematic is its adaptability. This plant thrives in:
- Full sun to partial shade conditions
- Various soil types, from sandy to clay
- Both dry and moderately moist conditions
- Disturbed areas, roadsides, and agricultural land
- Prairie and grassland environments
Its drought tolerance and ability to grow in poor soils means it often outcompetes native plants that might be struggling in challenging conditions.
What to Do If You Find Leafy Spurge
If you discover leafy spurge on your property, don’t panic – but do take action. Here are your best strategies:
- Small infestations: Hand-pull plants when soil is moist, making sure to wear gloves and protective clothing to avoid the irritating sap
- Larger areas: Consider professional herbicide treatment or consult with your local extension office
- Prevention: Maintain healthy native plant communities that can better compete with invasives
- Disposal: Never compost leafy spurge – bag it and dispose of it in regular trash
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
Instead of risking the ecological havoc that leafy spurge can cause, consider these native alternatives that offer similar yellow spring color:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) for prairie gardens
- Goldenrod species (Solidago spp.) for fall color
- Native sedums for drought-tolerant groundcover
- Regional wildflower mixes appropriate for your area
The Bottom Line
While leafy spurge might seem like just another plant, its invasive nature makes it a serious threat to native ecosystems and biodiversity. Rather than adding to the problem by intentionally planting it, focus your gardening efforts on native species that will support local wildlife and contribute to healthy, sustainable landscapes.
If you encounter leafy spurge in the wild or on your property, consider it an opportunity to make a positive environmental impact by removing it responsibly. Your local ecosystem – and future generations of gardeners – will thank you for it!
