1. Myrtle spurge Volunteer Assistance
Morgan Crowley, Weed Program Manager
Wildlands Restoration Volunteers
Intro and thank you

2. Myrtle Spurge: Background
Euphorbia myrsinites
Native to SE Europe and Asia Minor
from Italy east through the Balkans to Turkey

3. Myrtle Spurge: Background
Evergreen perennial
Bright yellow bracts
Spirally arranged leaves
Flowers in spring
Reproduces by seed
Waxy cuticle reduces herbicide effectiveness
Flowers March through May
Seed projects up to 15 feet!

4. Myrtle Spurge: Background
Ornamental introduced for xeriscaping
List A noxious weed
Eradication required by the CO Noxious Weed Act (C.R.S )
Spreads rapidly
Displaces native vegetation
Reduces wildlife forage
Waxy cuticle
Allelopathic?
Toxic!
Highly invasive
violation of state law to allow seeds of this plant to spread
Inhibits other plants from growing nearby via harmful biochemicals?

5. Myrtle Spurge: Background
Toxic white, milky sap
More harmful to children than adults
Severe eye & skin irritation
Nausea, vomiting, & diarrhea
Sap is identification marker
Use gloves and eye protection when handling

6. Myrtle Spurge: Background
Issues on open space and re-infestation by private residences

7. Myrtle Spurge Regional Partnership
Partnership of many government and non-government agencies
Add logos

8. Volunteer Pulling Projects
WRV hosted with partner agencies
In 2017 we’ll have Projects in Boulder and Lyons
Sat, March 25th
Fri, March 31st – Evening (Lyons)
Tue, April 11 – Half day
Sat, April 22 (EARTH DAY!)
Independent “Weed Warrior Teams”

9. Purge Your Spurge – Drop Off Events
Local residents exchange myrtle spurge for native plants
9am-Noon
Sat. April 15 – Boulder
Sat. May 6 – Longmont
Sat. May 20 - Denver
More Info – “like” us on Facebook.com/PurgeYourSpurge

10. Myrtle Spurge in Boulder County
2017 – Pinebrook Hills & Wagonwheel
Past Years:
Pinebrook
Seven Hills
Carriage Hills
Olde Stage Rd
Sunshine Canyon
4 Mile Canyon
City of Boulder
Golden, Table Mountain
Jefferson County

11. Identification & Look-Alikes
Euphorbia myrsinites (Myrtle Spurge)

12. Identification & Look-Alikes
Euphorbia rigida
Euphorbia myrsinites (Myrtle Spurge)
Clusters of terminal yellow/green flowers
Toxic latex/ milky sap
Tap roots
Flowers in late winter/ early spring

13. Identification & Look-Alikes
Euphorbia rigida
Euphorbia maculata

14. Identification & Look-Alikes
Agaloma marginata – Snow on the Mountain (Native Spurge)
Euphorbia cyparissius –
Cypress Spurge (Noxious)
Euphorbia esula –
Leafy Spurge (Noxious)

15. Identification & Look-Alikes
Dalmation Toadflax (Noxious Weed)
Snap-dragon like flowers
No milky sap
Rhizomatous roots
Flowers in early summer

16. Identification & Look-Alikes
Oregon Grape Holly
Yellow Alyssum

17. How to Apply for Volunteer Help
Check your property for Myrtle Spurge if you’re unsure whether you have it
Once Identified, Fill out and return application
Once you have applied WRV will check property to ensure it’s a good fit for volunteer assistance
Properties that are too steep or which have infestations which are very large will be referred to other treatment methods
Cost-Share program for hiring contractors (Pending)

18. Spurge Puling Safety Gear
Eye Protection (sunglasses or safety glasses)
Chemical resistant gloves (NOT leather, fabric or neoprene)
Sturdy pants and boots
Long sleeves (recommended)
Tecnu and eye wash
Hazmat Suit

19. Spurge Safety: First Aid
What to do if…
Sap on skin
Wash with Tecnu and water thoroughly and rinse, if you react with rash that spreads to an area larker than your hand consider seeking medical attention
Sap in eyes
Flush eye thoroughly with eye wash then go to the hospital.

20. Questions?
Morgan Crowley Wildlands Restoration Volunteers ext. 3# (Office) (Cell)