The yellow-green bracts are already showing up in some areas about two weeks ahead of season. Leon Wrage, Extension weed specialist at South Dakota State University, tells how to identify the weed and provides the latest in control options. Leafy spurge leaves are dark green and narrow. Roots may go 20 feet deep. It has milky sap throughout the plant.
Seedlings can reproduce from buds after four days emergence.
Areas where grass is short may give the impression that the spurge is worse this year, Wrage noted. The yellow flower bracts signal it is time to start treating. Fit the control to the crop and site. In grassland, 2,4-D and Tordon can be used. Esters of 2,4-D are more effective than most amines, Wrage said.