Petty Spurge is another of those rather weak and pesky weeds rather than being anything of a more serious nature. Like all other similar types of weak weeds, this weed can propagate rather quickly and easily in any positions of bare or weakened lawns, gardens, paving and the like so long as there’s some shade present, as it doesn’t like full sun conditions.
Petty Spurge will never be a problem in a healthy lawn with a healthy thatch layer as the lawn will easily outcompete and kill the weed on its own, it’s more of an opportunistic weed needing empty space on its own to grow and flourish.
The leaves of Petty Spurge are oval shaped and produced in abundance, with its flowering heads sometimes being difficult to see due to their similar appearance to leaves. There is always a stalk of reddish colour which will taper off to a green colour, upon which sit the leaves and head of the weed. Seeds are produced in abundance all year round for further propagation of the weed.
Also known as: Milkweed, Cancer Weed, Radium Weed, Wartweed
Botanical name: Euphorbia peplus
Sap Toxicity
The sap of Petty Spurge is plenteous, white and milky, and is toxic enough that the weed will be left alone by bugs and the like, it may possibly be a very mild irritant to some people. Goats have been known to have shown all signs of poisoning by ingesting this weed and some have been known to die as a result. So this is definitely NOT a weed to be chewed on like soursob.
Sap As Medicinal And Other Usages
Having said that, Petty Spurge sap is being tested as an active ingredient in a wide range of medicinal applications such as treatments for cancer, skin conditions such as warts and sunspots and other ailments. Its white sap is also harvested for latex.
Control Of Petty Spurge
Being a weak weed, this one will keel over rather quickly and easily.
Petty Spurge will be controlled with general broadleaf herbicides for use on home lawns as we are spraying for any other number of different weed types, this one will also take the hit in the process.
The same goes for weed spraying in pathways, whatever we spray will kill Petty Spurge too.
There’s no need for spot treatment in a lawn for this weed, it won’t be seen in a healthy lawn, and for infestations in thinned out lawns it can be easily dug out of the ground at its roots with the aid of a small garden digging tool or sharp knife.
Petty spurge found in any other garden areas can also be quickly pulled out, ensuring we take out the base of the plant where the crown resides. The roots themselves do not need to be removed.
(images from this article can only be republished alongside the republished article)
please read the terms to republish articles before republishing
you do not need to ask permission to republish - so long as you abide by the republishing terms
some website types are banned from republishing articles from this website
while all lawn care articles are freely shared - they remain original and copyright to lawnmowingcontractor.com
