Leafy Spurge-Yikes!!!

[precords]

We have leafy spurge. Any ideas on how to get rid of it? Also, what animals are affected by eating it? Thanks for your help.

[mtwildflower]

As far as I know, it's not poisionous to animals. Goats and sheep aloowed to graze on it will keep it in check. As far as pesticides, Round-up applied several times during the growing season is the only thing I know of that will kill it dead. I have no idea as to biological controls other than the grazing as mentioned above.

[PaulNKS]

Leafy spurge is nothing to mess with. In most states where it occurs it is listed as a noxious weed by the state. In Kansas if a noxious weed occurs on a farm, the county can "force" you to manage or eradicate it. If not, they can fine the farmer for each day that nothing is done.

A common pesticide used is 2-4d. Nothing will eradicate leafy spurge once it gets hold, but you can manage it. If it is severe and out of control, it will take 3 to 5 years of 2-4d applications to get it manageable.

If it is not managed, it can take over a pasture or hay ground and render it useless. The goat/sheep method of control as mtwildflower points out is good but goats will control it better than sheep in some areas. Also, goats and sheep won't eradicate it but they will control it.

Here, we burn, spray 2-4d and also graze goats alongside the cattle.

Hopefully that will help.