No photo available yet
Submit a photoLeafy Spurge
Euphorbia esula
⚠️ NOXIOUS — among Alberta's most aggressive invasives. A knee-high Eurasian perennial with narrow blue-green leaves and distinctive yellow-green bracts (not petals) surrounding tiny true flowers. All parts exude milky latex sap containing ingenol compounds that irritate skin, burn eyes, and are toxic to cattle (though sheep and goats tolerate and control it). Deep roots reach 3 m; seeds explosive-dispersed up to 5 m.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Widespread in Alberta rangeland and parkland
Light
Full sun
Bloom Time
June–July
Soil
Adaptable — prefers well-drained
Water
Low to moderate
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
DO NOT PROPAGATE. Control: glyphosate or 2,4-D in fall; biological control flea beetles (Aphthona spp.) effective on large infestations; sheep or goat grazing works if used consistently.
Always verify plant identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. This information is for educational purposes only.
