Many vegetative buds along roots grow into new shoots. This contributes to its persistence and spread. Phenology Leafy spurge shoots originate in early spring from crown tissue just below the soil surface and from sporadic buds along the root system. Leafy spurge is competitive, one of the first plants to emerge each spring, and uses moisture and nutrients that otherwise would be available for more desirable vegetation. Flowering occurs primarily in April and May but may occur through fall.
Bracts emerge about two weeks before flowers and give leafy spurge the appearance of flowering.
For optimum herbicide application timing, it is important to recognize true flower emergence. Each flowering shoot produces an average of 140 seeds. Seeds are expelled up to 15 feet when capsules dry. They are viable up to eight years in soil. Water, birds, animals and people aid seed dispersal.