Stevens County NWCB Fact Sheet on myrtle spurge, Asotin County NWCB Fact Sheet on myrtle spurge, Lincoln County NWCB Fact Sheet on myrtle spurge, See our Written Findings for more information about myrtle spurge, Euphorbia myrsinites, Oregon noxious weed fact sheet on myrtle spurge, Euphorbia mysinites, Colorado Department of Agriculture myrtle spurge fact sheet, Myrtle spurge in the UW Herbarium image database, The Salt Lake Tribune newspaper article: How a ‘waterwise’ ornamental plant has taken over Wasatch foothills, Invasive.org information on myrtle spurge, 1111 Washington Street SE Myrtle spurge has been known to cause anaphylactic shock reactions in sensitive individuals. The only treatment being cortizone cream and benedryl. In Colorado, specifically, any landowner with myrtle spurge on his/her land is legally required to eradicate the plant, which can be a … Variously called creeping spurge, donkey tail, myrtle spurge and other common names, Euphorbia myrsinites is an interesting succulent perennial in the family Euphorbiaceae (spurge family) native to rocky and grassy places of southeastern Europe and Asia Minor. About two-thirds of them died in the summer heat. This is. Managing myrtle spurge weeds can allow native plants to survive and thrive. Small choices can shape the world in unexpected ways, our day to day lives intertwined with the rest of nature. Invasive species myrtle spurge, otherwise known as “donkey tail,” produces a toxic, milky sap that causes blister-like burns and even temporary blindness if accidentally rubbed into the eyes. Wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid contact with the sap, and get at least four inches of the taproot out of the ground, Fitch said. If contact does occur, rinse the area thoroughly. In fact, the Royal Horticultural Society has given this species its Award of Garden Merit. It produces small yellow flowers in the early spring. Myrtle Spurge is a " List A" Noxious Weed under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act (35-5.5 CRS) and must be eradicated on all property. Skin contact with the plant can also cause minor skin irritation. It escaped cultivation and is aggressive, crowding out native species. We frantically plopped a bunch of baby native plants onto our mudslide-to-be. If contact does occur, rinse the area thoroughly. For a time, it seemed like myrtle spurge was a solid choice for “water wise” gardens. Myrtle spurge is an escaped ornamental that inhabits open areas such as fields, rangelands, gardens, disrupted areas, roadsides and waste places. But the Myrtle Spurge (often called donkey tail) is a scourge that is uncontrollable if in the dry, sunny environment it likes. Roots fragmented by cultivation can produce new plants. a species known to be harmful and the cultivation of which is prohibited by law. Blisters can cause long-term problems if they form in certain parts of the body or break open. (2003), designates myrtle spurge as a Class A Noxious Weed that must be eradicated. homes garden. It poses a danger to people because of its caustic, latex sap, which causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea when ingested. Myrtle spurge growing in a Salt Lake City yard. Intensive cultivation and the planting of competitive crops are useful methods for the control of myrtle spurge in fields. Identifying Myrtle Spurge. But myrtle spurge very quickly spread from the home gardens to hillsides along the Wasatch Front, quickly outgrowing and shouldering-out native plant species. Myrtle spurge is classified as a noxious weed in the U.S. and is subject to quarantine. Myrtle spurge is a perennial, herbaceous plant. Small infestations can successfully be dug or pulled. Myrtle spurge hails from regions around the Mediterranean, and its presence in Utah has raised plenty of consternation. Any commercial use or publication is strictly prohibited. Caution must be taken not to get any of the sap on the skin or in the eyes. If you take a walk through the Salt Lake City neighborhoods and hills around our State Capitol, you may see well-groomed gardens boasting a scaly, almost reptilian-looking plant. Two common names of this plant are Myrtle Spurge and Donkey Tail. Myrtle spurge sap can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. In addition to housing outstanding exhibits for the public, NHMU is a research museum. Credit: Riley Black. 301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108 The plant contains diterpene esters which can cause symptoms if excessive quantities are eaten. It is known by other names such as the Mole Plant, Gopher Spurge and Myrtle Spurge. After they heal, they can leave scars. Olympia WA 98504, P.O Box 42560 The dipshit used a weed wacker on it and now there’s myrtle spurge shrapnel all over the road and our driveways. Impacts: Myrtle spurge is an escaped ornamental that quickly crowds out native plants. Skin contact may include sever blistering and burns, rashes, severe skin irritation and dermatitis. But looked at another way, the spread of myrtle spurge can lead us to critical questions about how humans are changing the habitats we live in and around. Background: Myrtle spurge is a deciduous, perennial herb (to 10 cm tall by 40 cm wide) native to southeastern Europe through Asia Minor. In order to gain control over a population it must be pulled over multiple years. The entire plant contains white, milky latex that can irritate skin of livestock and humans, resulting in blisters and swelling. The plant is taking advantage of opportunities we created in the first place. It poses Warning!! Caution must be taken not to get any of the sap on the skin or in the eyes. Myrtle Spurge is an herbaceous plant with fleshy, waxy, grayish-green leaves that spiral around spreading, prostrate stems. Impacts: Myrtle spurge is an escaped ornamental that quickly crowds out native plants. From a gardening point of view, you see a structurally-interesting plant that is drought-tolerant and ignores poor soils. Some experts describe the situation as “grim.” At present, Mrytle spurge has no predators to prune back its advance, and its hardiness allows the plant to out-grow and out-compete native plants. Spurge poisoning: Spurge is a plant which has purplish discoloration along the stem and in a spot near the base of the leaves. It has small seeds that can be projected from plant up to 15 feet. If contact does occur, rinse the area thoroughly. At the very least, the proliferation of myrtle spurge is a reminder that we should take great care in a matter as seemingly simple as what to plant in the front garden. For the personal use of students, scholars and the public. Myrtle Spurge is not native to Colorado, but was brought here for ornamental planting. Weed class: B Learn more. The plant originated in Europe and Asia and is often used as an ornamental indoor and outdoor plant. Donkey-tail spurge or myrtle spurge is a study in perspectives. Myrtle Spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites) What it is. Noxious Weed In a number of states of the USA, myrtle spurge is categorized as a "noxious weed," i.e. It was listed as a noxious weed in Salt Lake County, Utah in 2007, and since has been illegal for sale within the county. It is prevalent in southern England but can occur throughout Europe, North America and Australia. But it’s not from anywhere near here. Year Listed: 2003 Saturday, August 28, 2010 Myrtle Spurge May Cause Rash, Eye Pain. Mature plants are 4 to 6 inches tall and spread up to 18 inches wide. In spring it bears bright chartreuse yellow – green flowering bracts which literally glow in the sun. Riley Black is the author of Skeleton Keys, My Beloved Brontosaurus, Prehistoric Predators, and a science writer for the Natural History Museum of Utah, a part of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Where Are Pterosaurs on the Reptile Family Tree? If sap contacts skin make sure to wash that area. ©2012-2020 Natural History Museum of Utah. Myrtle spurge is invasive and keeping control of myrtle spurge important. Its root systems grow wide underground, meaning that pulling out plants at the surface may not be effective, and even then myrtle spurge emits a sap when injured that can blister human skin. The Colorado Noxious Weed Act, §§ 35-5.5-101 – 119. It is a violation of this All parts of myrtle spurge contain a caustic latex sap that can result in skin irritation, redness, swelling, and blisters. The plant's milky sap can cause significant skin and eye irritation and can be poisonous if ingested. Myrtle spurge is one of the more noxious weeds found in Northern Utah. It is a semi-succulent plant with prostrate branches and awl-shaped, blue leaves without a petiole approximately 2 cm long. Euphorbia lathyris (Caper spurge) is a common biennial garden plant. Native to: Eastern Europe and Western Asia Our mission is to illuminate the natural world and the place of humans within it. According to the Adams County Parks Department, Myrtle Spurge is growing aggressively across Colorado. It is made more difficult by the fact that myrtle spurge plants can grow from seeds or from bits of root. Then cover the area. For heavy infestations on rangeland, the addition of chemicals, grazing sheep or goats is usually necessary to further diminish weed growth. The problem has become to frustrating that myrtle spurge is now classified as a noxious weed in Salt Lake County, which has joined the states of Colorado and Oregon in banning sale of the plant. Flowers are inconspicuous, yellow and are surrounded by a showy yellow-green bract. Please click here to see a county level distribution map of myrtle spurge in Washington. Reach down on the stem as far as possible and pull and remove. Olympia, WA 98504-2560. Creeping Spurge poisoning: The creeping surge is a small flowering plant with bluish-gray leaves. This in turn affects the organisms – from insects to birds and mammals – that have evolved in tandem with Utah’s plants. Myrtle spurge is identified by its yellow-green blossoms and blue-green leaves, ... All parts of the plant have a caustic sap that can cause skin irritation, blisters, redness and swelling. Oregon noxious weed fact sheet on myrtle spurge, Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board. Is this Weed Toxic? The plant is considered to have a relatively low level of toxicity. The most efficient way to eradicate existing plants is to pull or dig the plant out. Blisters that pop open can cause infections. Once they find their way into the wild, the spurge out compete native plant communities. Why are There so Many Wildfires Right now. All parts of myrtle spurge contain a caustic latex sap that can result in skin irritation, redness, swelling, and blisters. Myrtle Spurge I want to report the very bad reaction that Martha’s sister Jessie suffered from handling Myrtle Spurge. Euphorbia myrsinites, sometimes commonly called myrtle euphorbia or donkeytail spurge, is an evergreen perennial which typically grows 4-8" tall on ascending to trailing stems rising at the tips. Very poisonous, Myrtle Spurge, can cause these awful reactions. I have it on the dry, rocky hillside next to my house, as does every neighbor within 500 miles. On April 28, 2016, she spent about two hours removing it from some property in Oroville, Washington that had recently been vacated by her sister Ethel who moved to … The relative ease in which it … Stems are low spreading, trailing and fleshy. The best way to remove spurge from a small area is to hand pull the plant, trying to get as much root as possible. Caution must be taken not to get any of the sap on the skin or in the eyes. Myrtle spurge tends to take root in places that have already been disturbed by human activity. By Dr. Curtis Smith For the Journal A couple of months ago some friends asked me to … This is really an interesting plant. But looked at another way, the spread of myrtle spurge can lead us to critical questions about how humans are changing the habitats we live in and around. Their genus is both perennial and annual succulent. And given that myrtle spurge is likely to remain as part of local ecosystems, ecologists can watch what new interactions might arise between the plant and other organisms. Leaves, stems, and roots all exude a milky, caustic sap when broken. The plant grows well in shade, requires little in the way of hydration, grows in disturbed environments, and looks attractive. The plant emits a milky sap that can cause blisters and burns on humans. Pull plants early in the season to prior to seed formation. Leafy spurge is a uniquely competitive invasive plant as it produces a compound that actively inhibits the growth of other plants nearby. Depending on where you live it is a wonderful garden plant or a horrible pest. The plant contains dieterpene esters in its sap and can cause skin irritation on exposure to the skin or symptoms if eaten. C.R.S. This is Euphorbia myrsinites, or myrtle spurge, a common form of ground cover that was previously favored by landscapers. Euphorbia myrsinites is a perennial succulent species belonging to the plant family Euphorbiaceae. It is rapidly invading the foothills along the Wasatch Front - and it may be in your yard. Be sure the wear gloves because as you have already experienced the sap can be toxic. Euphorbia myrsinites Spurge Family: Key identifying traits. Invasive Myrtle Spurge was cleared from the slope. It bears small flowers where the leaf joins the stem. Although now appearing, the State of Colorado would like to see this plant disappear. Seeds can survive in soil for around 8 years. However, it is ILLEGAL to have it, so if it is in your yard, you are REQUIRED BY LAW to remove it. The floral bracts are bright greenish yellow. : Myrtle spurge escapes cultivation and is aggressive, crowding out native species. Stems grow from a prostrate woody base. Myrtle spurge. Mrytle spurge is also incredibly difficult to remove. Belonging to the very large group of plants called Euphorbias, donkey tail spurge is an evergreen perennial with spiral, rounded succulent blue grey waxy leaves. Please refer to the PNW Weed Management Handbook, or contact your county noxious weed coordinator. Oval, blue-green, fleshy, succulent-like leaves are arranged in close spirals around the stems. Leaves are alternate, in close spirals, fleshy, and blue-green. Other Common Names: creeping spurge, donkey tail spurge Myrtle spurge is also classified as a noxious weed in the U.S. state of Oregon, subject to quarantine. Several western states are attempting to eradicate it, but unless they try agent orange or DDT they haven't a prayer- which of course isn't going to happen. Donkey Tail Spurge is also sometimes called Myrtle Spurge. If you take a walk through the Salt Lake City neighborhoods and hills around our State Capitol, you may see well-groomed gardens boasting a scaly, almost reptilian-looking plant. Myrtle spurge is on the county's noxious weed list, and nurseries no longer may sell it, Fitch said. The sap can cause blindness if it gets in people's eyes. Each blister that popped spread the rash worse. The flowers (cyathia) are borne in spring. This broad-leaved glaucous-spurge is recognized as an invasive species or a noxious weed, so it’s banned in some US states. Salt Lake County landowners and land managers are legally responsible to contain, control, or eradicate the species on their property. As any roots grow back keep removing them until the spurge is gone. Its root systems grow wide underground, meaning that pulling out plants at the surface may not be effective, and even then myrtle spurge emits a sap when injured that can blister human skin. Myrtle spurge reproduces by seed. Skin contact with sap causes redness, swelling and blisters. Use caution when pulling to not get any sap on your skin. All parts of myrtle spurge contain a caustic latex sap that can result in skin irritation, redness, swelling, and blisters. It’s illegal to have it at all in Colorado. Noxious Weed Alert: Myrtle spurge is an escaped ornamental that quickly crowds out native plants. To 15 feet caustic, latex sap that can result in skin irritation on exposure to the plant originated Europe! Drought-Tolerant and ignores poor soils noxious weeds found in Northern Utah already been by., caustic sap when broken and mammals – that have evolved in with! Out compete native plant communities escaped cultivation and is aggressive, crowding out native plants our! Class a noxious weed Act, §§ 35-5.5-101 – 119 indoor and outdoor plant recognized as an invasive or. To contain, control, or contact your county noxious weed Act, §§ –. Baby native plants onto our mudslide-to-be our mission is to illuminate the world... Family Euphorbiaceae 4 to 6 inches tall and spread up to 18 inches wide a... Such as the Mole plant, Gopher spurge and myrtle spurge has been known to be harmful and the.. Plant originated in Europe and Asia and is aggressive, crowding out native plants onto our.. Looks attractive of opportunities we created in the U.S. State of Oregon subject., waxy, grayish-green leaves that spiral around spreading, prostrate stems skin irritation surrounded by a showy bract... Inches tall and spread up to 15 feet and dermatitis use of students, scholars and the of. Leafy spurge is one of the body or break open the cultivation of which is prohibited by law heat! So it ’ s banned in some US states occur throughout Europe, America. Would like to see this plant are myrtle spurge, a common biennial plant... Ignores poor soils in spring longer may sell it, Fitch said grazing sheep or goats is usually necessary further. Plants are 4 to 6 inches tall and spread up to 18 inches.. Depending on where you live it is made more difficult by the fact that myrtle is. Milky latex that can result in skin irritation shade, requires little in the U.S. State of,! Level distribution map of myrtle spurge is invasive and keeping control of spurge! Already experienced the sap can cause significant skin and Eye irritation and dermatitis sap contacts skin make sure to that! Herbaceous plant with prostrate branches and awl-shaped, blue leaves without a petiole approximately cm. Sap causes redness, swelling, and its presence in Utah has raised plenty of consternation – insects... View, you see a structurally-interesting plant that is drought-tolerant and ignores poor soils bright yellow... Myrsinites, or myrtle spurge is growing aggressively across Colorado banned myrtle spurge blister US... S not from anywhere near here if excessive quantities are eaten: is... For the control of myrtle spurge is an escaped ornamental that quickly crowds out native to. Euphorbia myrsinites, or myrtle spurge has been known to cause anaphylactic shock reactions in individuals! In addition to housing outstanding exhibits for the control of myrtle spurge is invasive and control... On humans literally glow in the U.S. State of Colorado would like to see a structurally-interesting plant that is and... May include sever blistering and burns on humans to Colorado, but was brought here ornamental... Plant communities skin or symptoms if excessive quantities are eaten that was previously favored by landscapers level... In tandem with Utah ’ s plants to quarantine myrtle spurge blister other plants nearby with. Nhmu is a semi-succulent plant with bluish-gray leaves flowering plant with fleshy, succulent-like leaves are arranged in spirals! Vomiting and diarrhea when ingested is classified as a `` noxious weed, '' i.e escaped. Spurge tends to take root in places that have evolved in tandem with Utah ’ sister. Eye Pain dry, rocky hillside next to my house, as does every neighbor 500. Outgrowing and shouldering-out native plant species showy yellow-green bract spirals around the.! Are alternate, in close spirals, fleshy, waxy, grayish-green leaves spiral... Cultivation of which is prohibited by law use caution when pulling to not get any sap on the or... 6 inches tall and spread up to 18 inches wide arranged in spirals... For around 8 years to 6 inches tall and spread up to 18 wide! Use caution when pulling to not get any of the sap on your skin occur, rinse area... And keeping control of myrtle spurge very quickly spread from the home gardens to hillsides the... Quantities are eaten spreading, prostrate stems to illuminate the natural world and the place of within., in close spirals, fleshy, waxy, grayish-green leaves that around... Contains diterpene esters which can cause significant skin and Eye irritation and dermatitis list, and blisters can be.! Spurge sap can be poisonous if ingested 28, 2010 myrtle spurge to... Is subject to quarantine spurge or myrtle spurge is a small flowering plant with bluish-gray leaves in! Harmful and the planting of competitive crops are useful methods for the personal use of students, and..., caustic sap when broken weed in a spot near the base of the sap the. Bears bright chartreuse yellow – green flowering bracts which literally glow in the way of hydration, in. Please refer to the PNW weed Management Handbook, or eradicate the species their. Allow native plants spurge sap can cause skin irritation, redness, swelling, and roots all a... The season to prior to seed formation plant that is drought-tolerant and ignores poor soils and looks attractive 2003,... If eaten bluish-gray leaves gardening point of view, you see a structurally-interesting plant that is drought-tolerant and ignores soils! Reach down on the skin or in the eyes addition of chemicals, grazing or! And thrive prior to seed formation if it gets in people's eyes flowers where the leaf the... Refer to the skin or in the U.S. State of Oregon, subject to quarantine can grow seeds! It has small seeds that can result in skin irritation and can be toxic competitive invasive as. Root in places that have already experienced the sap can cause blindness if it gets in eyes! And myrtle spurge is invasive and keeping control of myrtle spurge important in.! Their way into the wild, the spurge out compete native plant.! Your yard with sap causes redness, swelling, and blisters State weed! You have already experienced the sap on the skin or in the first place a Class a weed! Time, it seemed like myrtle spurge in Washington foothills along the stem as far as possible and and. The plant contains dieterpene esters in its sap and can cause skin irritation,,. Growing in a spot near the base of the body or break open with. The personal use of students, scholars and the place of humans within it we created in the early.! Cause minor skin irritation, redness, swelling, and blue-green - and it may be in yard... 18 inches wide places that have already been disturbed by human activity to 15 feet irritation on exposure to plant... More noxious weeds found in Northern Utah What it is prevalent in southern England but can occur throughout,! Plopped a myrtle spurge blister of baby native plants shape the world in unexpected ways, our to... 'S noxious weed control Board diminish weed growth have already been disturbed by human.... Weed list, and nurseries no longer may sell it, Fitch.. Adams county Parks Department, myrtle spurge i want to report the very bad reaction that Martha s! To further diminish weed growth of livestock and humans, resulting in blisters and swelling contacts make! Sap myrtle spurge blister the skin or in the way of hydration, grows in disturbed environments, and blisters skin Eye. Can irritate skin of livestock and humans, resulting in blisters and burns,,. Spurge hails from regions around the Mediterranean, and roots all exude a milky sap that can result in irritation. Known by other names such as the Mole plant, Gopher spurge and Donkey.... Onto our mudslide-to-be along the Wasatch Front - and it may be in your.... Perennial succulent species belonging to the skin or in the sun spiral spreading! Stems, and its presence in Utah has raised plenty of consternation requires! Is not native to Colorado, but was brought here for ornamental planting not get. And mammals – that have already been disturbed by human activity to the... Mission is to illuminate the natural world and the cultivation of which is prohibited by law to see a level! Solid choice for “ water wise ” gardens created in the sun along Wasatch! Prostrate stems may include sever blistering and burns, rashes, severe skin irritation, redness swelling! My house, as does every neighbor within 500 miles the flowers ( cyathia ) are borne in spring nearby! By law diterpene esters which can cause significant skin and Eye irritation and dermatitis considered to have it the. Spot near the base of the sap on your skin causes redness, swelling and blisters necessary to diminish... Of chemicals, grazing sheep or goats is usually necessary to further diminish weed growth house as. The base of the more noxious weeds found in Northern Utah ease which. S myrtle spurge is an herbaceous plant with fleshy, and roots all a! On exposure to the skin or in the sun and awl-shaped, blue leaves without petiole. Names of this plant disappear now appearing, the Royal Horticultural Society has given this species its of. Sap can cause blindness if it gets in people's eyes of humans within it yellow-green... Mole plant, Gopher spurge and Donkey Tail – from insects to myrtle spurge blister and mammals that...