What is Prostrate Spurge?
Prostrate Spurge is a summer annual broadleaf weed that can be found in dry/sandy and/or nutrient-poor soils along with compacted, weakened, or disturbed turfgrass and landscape sites. Prostrate spurge can also be found in cultivated fields, brick walls, and parking lot cracks. Look for it first in driveways and sidewalks or in potted plants in a landscape or nursery as temperatures start to get warmer.
It germinates from seed in June and July and spreads via low-growing prostrate stems that form a dense mat as they invade the turf canopy. Its ability to establish and grow in multiple soil/climate conditions and highly compacted soils, as well as its ability to withstand low mowing heights, make prostrate spurge a common turfgrass weed.
How to Identify Prostrate Spurge:
Prostrate spurge is a low-growing summer annual weed. The plant is anchored by a central shallow taproot and, as suggested by its common name, it forms a ground-hugging mat with prostrate stems that grow outward throughout the turf canopy. The plant produces these spreading stems along with viable seeds very quickly, often within a couple of weeks after germination.
The leaves of prostrate spurge are pale green, hairy, egg-shaped, widest at the apex, and located opposite of each other on the stems which are pinkish in color and distinctly hairy. Prostrate spurge continually flowers from July to September and produces large quantities of viable seed throughout its life cycle. These flowers are small but numerous, originate from the base of leaves located on the upper stem and are composed of several male and female flowers within a cluster. It produces a fruit that consists of a 3-lobed, 3-seeded capsule with stiff hairs on its surface. Additionally, all spurges exude a milky/white sap when damaged which can be toxic to animals if ingested.
How to control Prostrate Spurge:
Proper turf management such as adequate mowing heights, irrigation, and fertilization will help to produce a dense, aggressive turf which is the greatest defense against invading weeds. Prostrate spurge also thrives in compacted soils; thus, soil cultivation (aeration) may aid in the management of the weed. Due to its shallow taproot, prostrate spurge can often be hand pulled when populations are small enough; however, it is important to remove weeds as soon as possible due to its ability to produce copious amounts of viable seed very quickly after germination. Control options for prostrate spurge can include both pre- and postemergence herbicides.
If you believe you are dealing with Prostrate Spurge in your yard, give us a call at 615-653-3871 for help!