Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) Spread in Iowa

Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.), a noxious perennial weed spreading south from the northern Great Plains into Iowa, is considered a threat to Iowa\u27s Prairie preserves because it is an aggressive non-native plant that dominates the landscape through rapid sexual and asexual reproduction. Methods to control leafy spurge include cultural and chemical controls, and biological controls are currently being developed. In 1992 and 1993 we surveyed the extent of leafy spurge spread in Iowa and found 26 of 99 Iowa counties with leafy spurge populations. Iowa\u27s leafy spurge populations are rapidly expanding on untilled lands such as roadsides, especially in the Loess Hills and m northeastern Iowa. Integration of cultural, chemical and biological controls combined with public education are needed to control its spread