Weed of the week: eggleaf spurge

Eggleaf spurge, also known as oblong spurge or Balkan spurge, is a Class A weed. This weed is native to Turkey and Southeast Europe, is toxic to humans, and is on the Washington State quarantine list.

Eggleaf spurge was first introduced as a garden ornamental and escaped cultivation. It is closely related to and exhibits invasive and competitive strategies like leafy spurge, which is listed as a Washington State Class B noxious weed.

This plant is an upright perennial, growing to about three feet tall from a woody, branched taproot. Plant stems are covered in fine white hairs and have leaves with finely toothed margins. Flowers bloom in spring and summer. The flowers appear as clusters and have yellow bracts at their base, followed by a pattern of spirals with yellowish green leaves. Seeds are brown and smooth and are ejected from capsules when ripe.

Eggleaf spurge is found in damp meadows, streambanks, and shady woodlands, as well as on dry hillsides, roadsides and waste areas. This plant reproduces by seed.

Because of large taproot, the plant must be dug. Mowing will result in new shoots growing. Eggleaf spurge produces a milky latex sap, so care should be taken when handling. If sap contacts skin, make sure to wash that area.

If you have questions about eggleaf spurge or any other noxious weeds and their identification and control, we can help. Please contact Andy Lea at 360-795-3852.