Last week, I saw the first spotted spurge (Euphorbia Maculata) in rocks beds. This is early! Usually, it likes warmer temps (75-85 degrees) for germination and most weed guides say early summer for germination. It grows very quickly once it emerges and can produce seeds 5 weeks after germination. These little buggers are sometimes camouflaged because of their spotted appearance, low profile and can become noticeable when they are large and have produced a lot of little seeds.
Seeds become sticky when wet and can adhere to animals, birds and our feet which means easily spread. Spurge seeds are also spread by birds who consume them. Though probably the most common method is wind – once the seeds are dried out they can easily be carried by the wind. Every year, I have spurge germinate in my flower pots. So be on the lookout for them and get them taken care of early before they start to flower.
Spotted Spurge Seedlings–notice the dark pinky-purple color.
Spotted Spurge (Euphorbia Maculata)
Just 1 Spotted Spurge plant can produce several thousand seeds so best to treat or pull while plants are small and before flowering occurs.
