The "Scourge" of Myrtle Spurge
Myrtle Spurge has been declared a noxious weed. Myrtle spurge is highly invasive ornamental plant that is popular in xeriscapes and rock gardens in residential areas of Colorado. This plant is rapidly expanding into sensitive ecosystems, displacing native vegetation and reducing forage for wildlife. It is a low-growing perennial with trailing stems of fleshy blue-green alternate leaves. Flowers are inconspicuous, surrounded by yellow-green flower-like bracts that appear from March to May. Myrtle spurge reproduces only by seed and is capable of projecting seeds up to 15 feet. 
How To Control Myrtle Spurge.
Herbicides - use of a product with picloram, 2,4-D or dicamba is best, also "Round Up" will work but continue to monitor the site.
Hand pulling or digging - works very well, but remember you won't be able to get up all of the roots, so continue to monitor the site for new growth.
CAUTION: Myrtle Spurge plants contain a milky white substance that is toxic to the skin and will cause skin burn or rash- so wear gloves, long sleeves, and long pants! Do not mow, the seeds will spread.
Obtsain additional information by contacting the CSU Cooperative Extension for El Paso County at:
(719) 636-8920
Fax (719) 575-8692
305 South Union Blvd Address
Colorado Springs, CO - 80910-3123
Web sitehttp://www.coopext.colostate.edu/elpaso
Email: debbierivera@elpasoco.com
(719) 636-8920
Fax (719) 575-8692
305 South Union Blvd Address
Colorado Springs, CO - 80910-3123
Web sitehttp://www.coopext.colostate.edu/elpaso
Email: debbierivera@elpasoco.com
posted by Raven Hills HOA @ 10:02 AM
2 Comments:
Hello guys. This weekend our kids were playing in the meadow and ended up picking this plant Myrtle for one of their games.
We had failed to mention or take seriously the toxicity of this plant because it had never come up before- and they had never picked plants like this for games. Darn kids.
The white substance got on their hands and they of course eventually rubbed their faces etc.
This has caused major burns, face swelling, blisters and now 2 days of anguish for our family. This was extreme enough that we had to go to the ER, and follow up with antibiotics.
This reaction that was very painful and similar to a bad case of Poison Ivy if not worse. We are very concerned that someone would skip wearing gloves- this plant would very much hurt an elderly person who has fragile or thin skin. Handle all clothing, gloves and equipment used with care and warn your kids not to pick this plant please.
We would hate for this to happen to anyone else.
Annie MacFarlane - Raven Hills Ct.
We received this from Cathy Grossman - Gold Coin
"This happened to our boys about 10 years ago and the doctor didn't know what the plant was even though we brought it in. They had to be on steroids to reduce
the swelling and their whole faces were one big blister."
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