Euphorbia esula L. syn. The entire plant contains a white, milky latex. It has an erect stem that is umbel-like branched above, simple below, glabrous, and may be somewhat woody. Stems originate just below the soil surface from a stout caudex.
Leafy spurge has an extensive root system of branching rhizomes and deep roots.
Due to the extensive root system, leafy spurge is usually found growing in extensive colonies arising from numerous root buds and seeds. The inflorescence is umbel-like and contains five to 17 primary umbel branches. The cyathium includes 11 to 20 staminate flowers, each with a single stamen, and a single pistillate flower with a three-branched style. The ovary has three locules, and forms a three-parted capsule. Each part contains a single seed.