Question of the Week – Number One: July 2, 2020
Same photo as Main page. Caption:
Photo: Karthik D. posted this photo to my Facebook page recently and asked for an ID and control.
“What is this weed, and how can I eliminate it? It grows so rapidly.”
It’s one of the several common weedy plants known as “spurges.” You’re perhaps familiar with the very flat-growing spurge with the sticky, milky stems. North Carolina State University lumps them all together as “Chamaesyce maculata, C. prostrata, and others.”
![](https://neilsperry.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/7-02-20-Prostrate-spurge.jpg)
All spurges are easily removed physically. Each plant has one central tap root and one single stem.
• Use a well-sharpened hoe to sever the stems and the plants will be gone.
• Or, cut them with a line trimmer, but the spew will be messy.
• Or, cover the bed at the beginning of the season with a 1-inch layer of bark mulch or compost. If any seedlings germinate and make their way through the mulch, just take a small rake and gently rearrange the mulch. You’ll disturb the plants enough that they’ll dry out and die.
• Or, out in the open, to control a large amount of any of the spurges, a broadleafed weedkiller containing 2,4-D will do the job. Read and follow label directions for best results.
• The best long-term options to stop spurges are:
A. In lawn areas, keep the grass growing vigorously. It will crowd out the weed.
B. In landscape and garden beds, apply a 1-inch layer of mulch. The spurge seeds can’t compete.