How to Identify Spotted Spurge Lawn Weed

Chances are very good that you have already been introduced to the spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata) weed. It is one of the most common turfgrass and lawn weeds in the United States striking unsuspecting dry, bare spots with uncaring accuracy. But it is a democratic weed and will happily make a home in well-maintained lawns also. Here is how to spot the spotted spurge.

Things You'll Need

• Weed sample
• Garden trowel (optional)

Instructions

1. Establish that the plant is a weed. A weed is considered to be any undesirable plant in your lawn or garden. Spotted spurge is a summer annual broadleaf weed that restricts growth of desirable turfgrass. Spotted spurge is an invasive weed.

2. Observe the weed's location. Spotted spurge frequently invades the dry, infertile bare spots of a lawn. It can also be found in healthy, well maintained lawns.

3. Evaluate the weed's growth pattern and roots. Spotted spurge is a low growing, prostrate weed that forms dense mattes up to 16 inches in diameter. The mattes radiate from a central taproot.

4. Examine the weed's leaves, stems and flowers. Leaf color of the spotted spurge ranges from pale to dark green. The leaves are oval, 1/4 to 3/4 inch long and grow on opposite sides of the stems. They sometimes have a purple spot in the center. Pale green stems spread out on the soil surface and pinkish-white flowers may appear in midsummer.

Tips & Warnings

• A clear indication that the plant is a spotted spurge is the milky white sap that oozes from a broken a stem.

• Keeping the lawn well watered will help to prevent spurge from spreading.