Spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata) is an annual, broadleaf weed that thrives in hot and dry conditions. It spreads aggressively and is often found in lawns, landscaping beds, fruit and vegetable gardens, and even sidewalk cracks, making it a true nuisance weed once it appears on your property. Spotted spurge is adaptable and can flourish in poor, compacted soil in sunny areas, allowing it to easily outcompete your grass and other plants for resources.
The professionals here at Heartland know how annoying dealing with this weed can be, so we are here to help guide you through identifying and controlling spotted spurge on your property!
Spotted spurge is relatively easy to recognize by its hairy red stems that branch out from a central point on the plant, tiny dark green leaves with a red or purple spot, and dense, oval-like shape. The leaves feel hairy and smooth, especially toward the center. It usually sprouts up mid-to-late spring, producing oval-shaped dark green leaves with a red spot on them. The weed sprouts tiny green flowers as they grow and spread further throughout the summer.
The most distinguishing feature of a spotted spurge is the milky white sap that leaks out of the plant anytime it's damaged. The sap irritates the skin and eyes, causing a rash that can range from mild to severe. Spotted spurge is considered poisonous to ingest, as it causes vomiting and diarrhea. It is toxic and, in some cases, fatal to certain animals, which is one of the main reasons identifying and removing this weed is so important for homeowners.
Key Characteristics:
Spotted spurge is not just an eyesore; it actively competes with grass for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Its rapid growth allows it to quickly establish itself in weak or thinning turf, forming thick mats that choke out grass and block sunlight and moisture from being absorbed. Unlike some broadleaf weeds that grow in clumps, spotted spurge spreads outward in a sprawling manner, covering large areas and creating bare patches once it dies.
Because it thrives in dry, compacted soil and withstands drought better than most turfgrass, it often takes over stressed areas of the lawn. Its seeds can remain viable in the soil for years, making long-term control challenging.
Problems Caused by Spotted Spurge:
Spotted spurge is a summer annual, meaning it completes its life cycle within a single year. However, its seeds remain in the soil for years, ensuring future infestations. In addition to seed dispersal, spotted spurge’s shallow taproot can occasionally resprout new plants when the entire root is not removed and fragments are left in the soil. Understanding its seasonal growth can help homeowners time their prevention and removal efforts effectively.
Spotted spurge seeds begin germinating when soil temperatures reach around 75°F, typically in late spring. The seedlings emerge in thin or compacted areas of the lawn, quickly establishing themselves. Since the plants are small at this stage, early intervention is the best way to stop their spread.
During summer, spotted spurge spreads aggressively, forming dense, low-growing mats. By mid-summer, it flowers and produces thousands of seeds, which spread through wind, water, and foot traffic. The plant thrives in heat and drought, often outcompeting grass.
Spurge continues producing seeds into fall. The first frost kills mature plants, but their seeds remain in the soil, ready to germinate the following spring. In warmer regions, spurge may persist longer before dying off.
As an annual plan, spotted spurge does die in winter, so the plant itself does not go dormant. However, its seeds stay dormant in the soil, often surviving for several years. Without proper prevention and complete removal, they will sprout again in spring.
The best way to avoid the spread of spotted spurge is to keep them from growing in the first place. Encouraging a dense lawn with no room for weeds to elbow their way in is a surefire way to keep these weeds away.
Staying on top of your lawn health is the ideal way to keep all weeds away. That includes regularly fertilizing, aerating compact soil, mowing high, and top seeding with compost. Adding mulch to garden beds is another way to keep these and other weeds away. For thin lawns, overseeding with additional grass seed each autumn will create a dense lawn that prevents weeds from growing.
Best Prevention Strategies:
Fortunately, getting rid of spotted spurge isn’t difficult, though it can be time-consuming. The flat shape and single taproot make it ideal for hand-pulling. This should only be done when there are only a few spotted spurge before they have a chance to flower and produce seeds. It should be done thoroughly and with care, as this weed can easily break off at the stem, which would cause it to grow back. Gloves must be worn when hand-pulling this nasty weed, as the sap can cause severe irritation to the skin and eyes.
Herbicides are another option for ridding spotted spurge from your lawn. While most herbicides are only effective on the weeds when they are still in the early stages of growth, a select few works on fully mature spotted spurge. However, the herbicides that get rid of the mature weeds are known to damage surrounding grass and plant life.
It is best to consult a professional that can apply the herbicide to kill the spotted spurge with the precision needed to kill the weed while preserving the surrounding plants and grass. If you are in the Kansas City area and need help controlling spotted spurge or any other lawn weeds, call Heartland Turf & Landscape for a free quote on our fertilization and weed control services!
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