Leafy Spurge

Euphorbia esula

Leafy Spurge Images

Roots: Numerous pink buds; deep, reddish-brown spreading roots with large nutrient reserves.
Stems: Erect, smooth, branched at the top; normally 1–2 feet tall.
Leaves: Alternate, narrow; 1 to 4 inches long.
Seed: Produced in exploding capsules that can expel seed up to 15 feet; longevity 5 to 8 years.
Flowers: Yellowish-green to yellowish-orange surrounded by yellow-green bracts.
Origin: Eurasia; believed to have entered the United States as a crop seed contaminant.
Poisoning: Milky latex sap throughout the plant may cause dermatitis on human skin. Toxic to cattle; sheep and goats are generally not affected.