Cypress spurge is a fast growing herbaceous perennial and a member of the euphorbia family, Euphorbiaceae, that also includes poinsettia, caster oil plant, and cassava. It is native to Europe but was introduced into North America in the 1860s as an ornamental and now grows in most states in the US. Plants prefer dry, well-drained soil in full sun and can be found in grasslands, woodland openings, pastures, meadows, gardens and along roadsides and railroad tracks.
Description: A semi-woody root system with a long tap root produces several to many stems that grow up to eighteen inches tall and quickly form a mat of bluish-green linear, 1.5″ long leaves that give the appearance of tiny spruce or cypress trees. The tiny inconspicuous flowers appear in umbel-like clusters in spring. They lack petals but have showy lime-green bracts that age to reddish purple. Fruits are waxy three sided capsules that grow on short stems. and contain up to three seeds. Some populations, however, are sterile. Like other Euphobias, the leaves and stems contain a milky sap that can cause skin irritation. Although attractive, plants can be invasive and become weedy. Plants spread by rhizomes and seed.
Control: Eradication of cypress spurge is difficult because of its ability to regrow from its extensive root and rhizome system, its long distance seed dispersal, the persistence of the seeds in the soil. Frequent and repeated hand-pulling, mowing, or cutting until resprouting ceases is effective. Covering a cut areas with a dense mulch such as newspaper or cardboard for a growing season is also a good means of control. Herbicides have been used with some success for the control of new infestations but not for long term control.
Hardiness:
Karen Meyers