Al Schneider's Rocky Mountains Plant Descriptions

Leafy Spurge
Euphorbia esula
Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae)

Native to Europe, Leafy Spurge was introduced to North America in the early 1800s. Rootstalks penetrate deep into soil and the plant is capable of reproducing vegetatively as well as by seeds. The plant's milky sap can cause rashes and blisters on exposed human skin. The plant is toxic to many animals, though sheep are able to eat it and are often used to control it. Leafy spurge is considered a weed throughout the Rocky Mountain region.


© Norman E. Rees, USDA Agricultural Research
Service - Retired, Bugwood.org

Description

Introduced , 1-3' tall, with a heavy root system. Green cuplike flowers are framed by a pair of conspicuous yellow-green heart-shaped . Flowers are arranged in an . Leaves are and narrow. Stem and leaves exude a milky latex sap. Seeds borne in smooth 3- .

Field Marks

Green-yellow beneath flowers; white latex in plant stems.

© Al Schneider

An umbel is a collection of flowers on short stalks which spread from a common point, somewhat like umbrella ribs. The arrangement can vary from being flat-topped to almost spherical.

A perennial plant lives and blooms for many years.

A noxious weed is considered to be harmful to the environment or animals. Often a governing body designates plants as noxious.

A herb is a plant whose stems die back to the ground in the winter.

Bracts are modified leaves associated with a flower.

capsule -- a type of simple, dry fruit produced by many species of flowering plants. In most cases the capsule splits apart to release seeds.

alternate -- leaves alternate along the main stem and are attached singly.

lobe -- Being divided by clefts.