Myrtle Spurge Alert

Spring is not far off and myrtle spurge is already green and actively growing. Now is the time to think about changing your garden plans if you have this weed on your property.  Many years ago myrtle spurge was sold in a variety of locations as an ornamental plant to be used in home gardens. What we now know is that this plant has become invasive in a number of locations and subsequently has been listed by the State as a List A noxious weed specie. This means that populations across the state are still low enough that it can be eradicated. Please help us achieve this goal by pulling or digging it up before it has any further chance to spread

Another reason to remove this plant is that it is quite poisonous. The white sap within the plant can cause skin rashes as well as swelling to your eyes, nose or mouth should it make contact in any of those places. Last year, six children in Colorado Springs were hospitalized after coming into contact with the weed while playing in their backyard. So please take the extra precaution of wearing long sleeves while handling it and washing your hands afterwards.

If you have any questions please contact Russell Johnson, Arapahoe County Weed Control Specialist at 720-874-6713 or e-mail rjohnson@co.arapahoe.co.us.