The Mission of the Yellowstone County Weed Department is to assist the public, private, and other government agencies to manage and control existing noxious weed infestations as well as to prevent new invasive species from infesting Yellowstone County.

Leafy SpurgeEphorbia esula L.

Spurge Family- Euphorbiaceae

Photo from Montana Weed Control Association

Toxic

Rosette

Root

Stem

Leaf

Bloom

Photos from Montana Weed Control Association

Video Supplied By Ravalli County Weed District

Attribute	Description
Toxicity	Toxic. Horses, cattle and humans.
Growth Habit	Perennial, erect, up to 3' tall, spreading by seed or creeping roots.
Leaves	Alternate, long, narrow, ¼" wide and 2" long, usually drooping.
Stem	Branched near top, hairless; entire plant contains milky sap.
Flowers	Inconspicuous, surrounded by large heart-shaped floral leaves which turn yellow-green near maturity.
Roots	Brown, numerous pink buds, deep, spreading, very persistent.
Seeds	Seed is thrown to 20' by exploding seed capsule.
Reproduction	Seeds, spreading roots.
Habitat	Rangelands, pastures.
Biological Controls	Leafy spurge hawkmoth (Hyles euphorbiae), Red-headed leafy spurge stem borer (Oberea erythrocephala), Copper leafy spurge flea beetle (Aphthona flava), Black dot leafy spurge flea beetle (Aphthona nigriscutis), Brown-legged leafy spurge flea beetle (Aphthona lacertosa), Brown dot leafy spurge flea beetle (Aphthona cyparissiae).
Herbicides	Tordon, Tordon & 2,4-D, Plateau.
Caution	People should handle the plant with caution because the latex can cause irritation, blotching, blisters, and swelling in sensitive individuals. The eyes should never be rubbed until after the hands are thoroughly washed. The dried latex is often very difficult to wash off; consider wearing lightweight latex gloves when handling the plant.