Spurge

Garden Problems

Spurges are members of the Euhorbia family and are common weeds in gardens. Some of these are in the top ten of poisonous plants involved in many accidental poisonings.

Identify the problem
The spurges (Euphorbia) weeds are common in gardens and waste areas. They include spotted spurge, caper spurge and milkweed. These are poisonous plants and have been implicated in accidental childhood poisonings.
How to solve the problem
- For quick and effective control of spurge weed apply Weed Weapon Extra Strength orRapid Action . It will knock down spurges and similar weeds in 2-7 days.
- For woody mature spurge apply Weed Weapon Extra Strength with Dye & Stick to all parts of the plant. It will control the spurges and similar weeds within 7–10 days.
- For best results apply in Spring, Summer or Autumn when the plant is in active growth.
- If you wish to more effectively prevent regrowth, apply Weed Weapon Preventer granules. This is a selective pre-emergent herbicide which penetrates deep into the soil. Do not plant seeds or sensitive plants into treated soil within 3 months of application.
In Paths and Driveways
- For long term control on paths and driveways use Weed Weapon Long Term. This will kill a wide range of weeds and prevent regrowth for up to 12 months.
In Lawns
- For control of spruges in lawns apply LawnPro Turfclean.
- For best results apply spray in Spring and Autumn when weeds are growing.
Did you know?
- The spurges include milkweed which is the common food of Monarch caterpillars and is often grown and encouraged in gardens for that reason.
- The spurge family include spotted spurge, nodding spurge, caper spurge, milkweed, broad leafed spurge, and sun spurge.
- Latin names: Spotted spurge - Chamaesyce maculata, Nodding spurge - Chamaesyce nutans, Caper spurge - Euphorbia lathyris, Milkweed - Euphorbia peplus, Broad-leafed spurge -Euphorbia platyphyllos, Sun spurge - Euphorbia helioscopia.