Cypress Spurge

Cypress spurge is an herbaceous perennial in the Euphorbiaceae (spurge) family. It produces multiple erect stems from the crown that may reach between 4 and 32 inches tall but most commonly around 12 inches tall. Stems may be branched. Leaves are numerous giving the plant a pine- or cypress-like appearance. Leaves are lanceolate, between ½ and 1 ½ inches long and less than ½ inch wide; leaves occur alternately on the stem. Cypress spurge flowers from late spring to late summer. Flowers occur in umbles at the end of stems. Flowers are cyathia, a cup-shaped whorl of bracts (false petals) surrounding a cluster of stamen flowers and single pistil flower similar to a poinsettia. Each cyathium has heart-shaped, bright yellow to yellow-green bracts. Cypress spurge has an extensive network of rhizomes that may spread up to 35 feet and reach up to 15 feet deep. Seeds are produced in capsules, with 3 seeds per capsule, and seeds are small and gray. Seeds are dispersed with explosive force and may be shot up to 20 feet from the parent plant.

All parts of the plant secrete a milky latex. This sap is toxic to humans, most livestock, and wildlife and can irritate skin and eyes causing blindness.

Cypress spurge is native to Eurasia. It was first introduced into North America in the mid-1800s as an ornamental. It creates dense infestations by spreading rhizomes and seeds and spreads to new locations by seeds and root fragments. It is found in landscaping, pastures, roadsides, agricultural crops, and disturbed sites.

Prevention strategies and cultural control strategies should be utilized as much as possible. Utilize native plants for landscaping. Purchase certified weed free gravel when possible, and utilize topsoil from clean sites.

There are not any biological controls for cypress spurge available at this time.

Hand pulling and digging out of the taproot and lateral rhizomes may be effective for removing small patches of cypress spurge, but these must be repeated throughout the growing season. Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling cypress spurge as the latex is highly irritating. Mowing at regular, two week intervals can prevent seed production. Intensive grazing with sheep may reduce seed production. Care must be taken to prevent spreading seeds to a new area after grazing. Hold animals in a pen for 3 to 5 days after grazing. Cypress spurge is toxic to cattle and horses.

Larger infestations can be controlled with herbicides. Spring and early summer treatments prior to bloom are effective. Fall treatments after first frost are effective as the herbicides are readily moved into the root system. Read the label before using any herbicide. Contact TCWP if you have any questions about application rates or how to use an herbicide.

• Euphorbia cyparissias. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. North Carolina State University Extension.
• Fire Effects Information System (FEIS): Euphorbia cyparissias. Gucker, Corey L. 2010. United States Department of Agriculture, Fire Sciences Laboratory.
• Cypress Spurge: Rangeland, pasture, and riparian site recommendations. 2009. Colorado Department of Agriculture, Conservation Services Division.
• Cypress Spurge. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.