Myrtle Spurge
Euphorbia myrsinites
Also known as Blue spurge
Plants that are present in Utah, appear to be arriving in nursery stock or seed, and are being sold as ornamentals. This is now illegal.
Background
Native to Eurasia, myrtle spurge is a weed of gardens, dry natural hillsides, waste areas, and public lands. It is drought tolerant and thrives in nutrient poor, sandy, and rocky soils. The plant contains a milky sap toxic to cattle and humans. Myrtle spurge is sold as an ornamental.
Description
A short-lived, clumping herbaceous perennial with 8-inch tall, fleshy stems that bear thick, waxy, grayish-blue leaves. Stem tips bear yellow-green bracts that cup tiny flowers in umbrella-like clusters. Seeds are ejected up to 15 feet when the seed capsules open. The plants can also regenerate from root fragments.
Control
Do not buy or grow this plant. Seedlings are easily dug or hand-pulled (use gloves, eye and skin protection). but when digging more mature plants, the entire root must be removed. Herbicides can be effective.
