Euphorbia esula

(Leafy Spurge)

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Euphorbia esula, Along CR 66 west of Meeker, Rio Blanco Co. 1383

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Euphorbia esula, Along CR 66 west of Meeker, Rio Blanco Co. 1386

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Euphorbia esula, Overland Trail Recreation Area, Sterling, Logan Co. 7059

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Euphorbia esula, Overland Trail Recreation Area, Sterling, Logan Co. 7057

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Euphorbia esula, Overland Trail Recreation Area, Sterling, Logan Co. 7058

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Euphorbia esula, Overland Trail Recreation Area, Sterling, Logan Co. 7062

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Euphorbia esula, Along CR 66 west of Meeker, Rio Blanco Co. 1399

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Euphorbia esula, Overland Trail Recreation Area, Sterling, Logan Co. 7072

Scientific Name Euphorbia esula USDA PLANTS Symbol EUES
Common Name Leafy Spurge ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 28064
Family (Spurge) SEINet
Reference
Click Here
Description Life zones and habitat: Plains to montane (3500 to 9000 ft.); widely distributed in grasslands, shrublands, dry roadsides and disturbed areas.
Plant: Erect perennial with branching stems 1 to 3 feet tall.
Leaves: Alternate, sessile stem leaves, narrowly-oblong or linear blades, 1-1/4 to 4 inches long, with pointed tips.
Inflorescence: Umbels with pairs of heart-shaped bracts that are 1/2-inch long and cup clusters of individual flowers; each cluster contains a single pistillate flower, 12 to 15 staminate flowers and 4 bright yellow crescent-shaped glands with horns; flowers have no sepals nor petals. For a detailed description see Invasive Species Compendium.
Bloom Period: July to September.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Colorado Dept. of Agriculture, Univ. of British Columbia, Minnesota Wildflowers and SEINet.
BONAP Distribution Map
N/A
Colorado Status:
Introduced
NOXIOUS WEED

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains