What is spurge good for?
Cypress spurge is a plant. The flowering plant and root are used to make medicine. Despite serious safety concerns, people take cypress spurge for breathing disorders, diarrhea, and skin diseases.
Why is spurge a problem?
Leafy spurge is a very serious problem in the upper midwest including state such as North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming. When consumed by livestock, the toxins in leafy spurge affect the digestive tract and cause scours and weakness. When large amounts are ingested, it can even cause death.
How do you take care of a spurge plant?
As a general rule, Spurge requires well-drained soil in full sun. A few tolerate shadier conditions, but none of the family is fussy about soil condition. They even thrive in very poor soils and can tolerate periods of drought.
Are spurge plants poisonous?
Myrtle spurge is poisonous if ingested, causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This plant exudes toxic, milky latex, which can cause severe skin and eye irritations. Although some- times grown as a decorative plant in xeric gardens, myrtle spurge is consid- ered highly invasive and noxious.
Should I get rid of caper spurge?
The seeds (which look like capers but are very poisonous) are released explosively and are also dispersed by ants (reference). We will need to be careful when removing it, as the toxic, milky sap can cause skin irritation and even serious injury if splashed in the eyes.
Does spurge need sun?
Growing conditions between species vary, but it is usually best to plant spurge in full sun, which ensures colored varieties will be their best and brightest. Part sun is typically tolerated, too, but you may miss out on some flowers and the foliage color may be more muted. Spurge performs best in well-drained soil.
Is leafy spurge an invasive plant?
Leafy spurge is an invasive species. Leafy spurge is on the Control noxious weed list meaning you must prevent the spread of this plant. It displaces native plants in moist to dry prairies and savannas. Milky sap is toxic to livestock.
What happens if you eat spurge?
If it exudes a milky white sap, it is undoubtedly spurge. That sap, along with the rest of the plant, is poisonous, and it can mildly irritate your skin if you come in contact with enough of it. If you accidentally consume spurge, be prepared for vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly a trip to the emergency room.
What happens if you touch spurge?
If you get the sap on your hands, it can cause painful inflammation. Alys Fowler, horticulturist, says: “Euphorbia sap causes skin to become photosensitive: so, if you handle it with bare skin in the sun, it can cause blisters.”
Is spurge poisonous to humans?
Leafy spurge contains the alkaloid euphorbon, which is toxic to humans and animals and is a known co-carcinogen. The plant’s white, latex sap seriously irritates the skin of people and animals and can cause human blindness upon eye contact.
How poisonous is caper spurge?
Does spurge deter moles?
Caper spurge, Euphorbia lathyris, which is a biennial plant, has its adherents who claim the root exudates repel moles.