Colorado Master Gardener Volunteers gardening and blogging in Jefferson County Colorado. We work at the CSU Extension Office at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Call 303-271-6620 or e-mail your questions to mastergardener@jeffco.us
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Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Use Caution When Pulling Myrtle Spurge By Joyce D’Agostino
For the most part, weeds in our landscape are harmless and are just an annoyance that cause us a lot of work in pulling and removing. There is one weed however that can be found in our local landscapes that requires some caution.
Myrtle Spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites) is considered a Class A noxious weed and can be found throughout the state. It must be eradicated. It is a violation of the Noxious Weed law to grow this plant.
This information produced by Jefferson County has a good summary and pictures of this weed: http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/jeffco/weed_uploads/myrtspur.pdf
As you weed this spring, keep an eye out for Myrtle Spurge in your garden. The issue with this particular weed is that is produces a milky sap that can cause burns to skin. Use gloves to pull it, don’t touch your eyes or skin and dispose of it carefully.