G87-834 Leafy Spurge (Revised February 1989)

Identification and control of leafy spurge, a noxious weed established in about three-fourths of Nebraska\u27s counties, is discussed here. Leafy spurge, (Euphorbia esula L.) introduced to the United States from Eurasia in 1827, has become a troublesome weed in North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana and Nebraska. Leafy spurge is found in about three-fourths of Nebraska\u27s counties. It is most common in the state\u27s northern and eastern areas. Leafy spurge is found primarily on untilled land such as pastures, range, roadsides, woodlands and farmsteads. Leafy spurge is a noxious weed according to the Nebraska Seed Law and the Nebraska Noxious Weed Law