Myrtle Spurge

Myrtle spurge

Euphorbia myrsinites

Information Sheet (PDF)

Colorado List A - Eradication required in Jefferson County

General

• All parts are poisonous; sap may cause burns or irritate skin
• Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge)
• Has been sold as an ornamental but no longer available in Colorado
• Introduced from Mediterranean region

Common names

• Creeping spurge
• Donkey tail spurge
• Myrtle spurge

Habitat

• Found in gardens, natural areas and rocky slopes
• Perennial forb
• Prefers light, well-drained soil

Plant

Vegetation

• Blue-green leaves. Foliage dies back in winter.
• Leaves are alternate, egg-shaped to circular and surround the stem
• Stems unbranched, trail over ground; 8 inches tall

Roots

• Tap root

Flower

• Flowers in spring. Inconspicuous surrounded by greenish-yellow bracts
• Turn bright orange-red in early summer

Seedling

• Rosette

Reproduction

• Seed
• Vegetation fragments

Control

Biological

• N/A

Chemical

• View Information Sheet (PDF)

Cultural

• Prevention – maintain health of site
• Removal; wear protective clothing (long sleeves, long pants and gloves)

Mechanical

• Burning - N/A
• Grazing - N/A
• Mowing - Not recommended; will spread seed

Use all chemicals according to the manufacturer's label. No specific recommendation or endorsement is made or implied by listing methods or products.