• Myrtle spurge is native to Southern Europe and Asia and is also commonly known as donkey tail or creeping spurge. It is grown ornamentally because of its attractive blue-green foliage and beautiful yellow spring flowers. Additionally, myrtle spurge is very drought tolerant and is commonly used in waterwise landscapes and rock gardens. 

 

• Unfortunately, it is so adapted to our dry climate that is has become invasive in foothill environments in several areas of the Intermountain West where it spreads by both root and seed. It is actually unlawful to plant or propagate it anywhere in Oregon or Colorado. If it is found growing in these states, it must be immediately eradicated by the property owner. The same also applies in Salt Lake County, but otherwise, it is still legal to sell and plant in Utah, even though it is ill advised. In Cache County, myrtle spurge has been commonly used and has escaped in a few places in the foothills.

 

• Whether in wildlands or yards, small infestations can be hand dug as long as most of the roots are removed from the soil. Otherwise, products containing 2, 4-D are registered to control it. Once a population is initially eradicated, the area must be monitored for seven to eight years after since the seed from the spurge remains viable in the soil for this long.

 

• There are several great replacements for myrtle spurge in the landscape. One is sedum. Depending on the species, sedum comes in both upright and groundcover forms, has succulent leaves that range in color from green to red and even light blue and beautiful flowers that vary from white to yellow and pink.

 

• Another replacement option includes hens and chicks. It also is a low-growing groundcover with succulent leaves and a similar look to myrtle spurge. Hens and chicks have been used locally for many years and, to date, have not become a problem in our wildlands. Leaf colors range from green to purple. 

 

• For more information about myrtle spurge and for identifying images of the plant, visit http://tinyurl.com/usu-myrtlespurge.If you suspect you have myrtle spurge and wish to eradicate it, or if you know of a wildland site where it may be, contact your local USU Extension county office.