leafy spurge leafy spurge Ephorbia esula form


      Leafy spurge is perennial, reproducing by seed and from vegetative root fragments. Seed capsules are formed in July to late fall. Upon eruption of the seed capsules, the seeds are hurled up to 5 m away from the parent plant, with single shoots of leafy spurge producing over 200 seeds. Leafy spurge spreads both by vertical and horizontal underground roots which produce new shoot buds in the spring. Even root fragments at a depth of 1 m in the soil are capable of producing a new plant.

Hybrid form Euphorbia virgata: S. Crozier 2004 In Nova Scotia, a complex of two species,Euphorbia cyparissias and Euphorbia esula, currently coexist and hybridize. The hybrid form bears characteristics of both E. esula and E. cyparissiae and is tentativly called Euphorbia virgata. The entire complex of species in North America is currently referred to as the Euphorbia esula complex.

The gall midge, Spurgia esulae, was released into a pasture with a dense stand of Cypress spurge. This insect did not establish. However, S. capitigena was released in 1991 and was regared as established but not observed in 2004.

Apthona cyparissiae was also released in 1991-92 and is establsished.

      Currently, A. nigriscutis and Lobesia euphorbiana have established in Nova Scotia at densities too low for reduction of the weed. However, they may act to suppress the population of leafy spurge enough to reduce its spread. .

Cypress spurge with Spurgia esulae gall (arrows in center of photo) : J. Costain 2004 Apthona on leafy spurge: J. Costain 2004 leafy spurge infloresence: S.Crozier 2004 patch of leafy spurge: J. Costain 2004 Aphthona sp. on leafy spurge: S. Crozier 2004

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Prepared by S. Crozier and M.G. Sampson, 2005