Biology and Biological Control of Leafy Surface

Authors

Rob Bourchier, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Rich Hansen, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Rodney Lym, North Dakota State University
Andrew Norton, Colorado State UniversityFollow
Denise Olsen, North Dakota State University
Carol Bell Randall, USDA Forest Service
Mark Schwarzlander, University of Idaho
Luke Skinner, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Date of this Version

2006

Comments

Published by the USDA.

Abstract

Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) is an exotic, deep-rooted, perennial weed native to Europe and Asia. It was first reported in the United States in Newbury, Massachusetts, in 1827, where it likely established from contaminated soil left from ship ballasts. This invasive weed quickly spread westward across North America, accelerated by multiple reintroductions from contaminated crop seed including oat (Avena fatua L.), smooth brome (Bromus inermis Leyss.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) brought by European settlers. Leafy spurge is now abundant on the northern Great Plains of the United States and the prairie provinces of Canada, where it often forms stands dense enough to displace native plants and restrict cattle grazing.