Spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata) is one of those weeds that quietly slips into lawns and garden beds and quickly becomes a widespread issue before most homeowners even know it’s there. This fast-spreading summer annual thrives in hot, dry conditions and poor soils, and it’s a common sight in lawns that are under stress.
If you’ve noticed wiry stems with tiny leaves creeping along the ground, it may be time to take a closer look to determine if you could be dealing with spotted spurge. Keep reading to learn how to control this weed.
This weed tends to grow flat against the soil in a sprawling, mat-forming pattern. Its reddish stems radiate from a central point and branch outward, hugging the ground tightly. The leaves are small, oval, and often display a reddish or purplish spot in the center, hence the name “spotted spurge.”
You’ll usually find it growing in sidewalk cracks, along driveways, or in bare patches of the lawn. Another telltale feature is the milky sap that oozes from the stem when broken, which can irritate the skin of some people and pets.
What To Look For:
Spotted spurge tends to move into spaces where grass is thin or the soil is disturbed. It prefers full sun and dry, compacted soil, which makes it a common problem during hot summers when lawns are stressed. Unlike some other weeds, it doesn’t need much water to thrive, and once it gets established, it can produce thousands of seeds in a short time.
This weed is often first noticed in driveways, along curbs, or in dry corners of the yard. From there, it can quickly spread across the lawn, especially in areas where turfgrass is weak or over-mowed.
One of the biggest reasons spotted spurge is so hard to control is its rapid seed production. A single plant can generate thousands of seeds in just a few weeks, and they don’t need much time, or ideal conditions, to germinate. Seeds often remain viable in the soil for multiple years, waiting for the right opportunity to sprout.
Because spotted spurge grows so close to the ground, it can avoid mower blades and continue growing even after you cut the grass. That means it’s often overlooked until it’s already well established.
Though it might seem small and harmless at first glance, spotted spurge can seriously damage the overall look and health of your lawn. It grows fast, spreads even faster, and competes directly with turfgrass for moisture and nutrients, especially in hot weather when your lawn is already vulnerable. Over time, spurge creates thin, brown patches and contributes to a dry, weedy appearance that’s hard to reverse.
Managing spotted spurge effectively requires both good timing and proper tools. For small, isolated plants, hand-pulling can be effective, but you must get the entire taproot to prevent regrowth. Pulling is easiest when the soil is moist.
For larger infestations, chemical herbicides may be needed. Look for post-emergent broadleaf herbicides containing ingredients such as dicamba, 2 4-D, or MCPP. These should be applied while the weed is actively growing, ideally before it sets seed. A pre-emergent herbicide applied in spring can help stop seeds from sprouting later in the season.
Treatment Tips:
The best long-term defense against spotted spurge is a dense, healthy lawn. When your grass is thick and well-maintained, there’s simply no room for weeds like spurge to sneak in. Good cultural practices, like watering deeply, mowing high, and aerating regularly, go a long way toward preventing this weed from taking hold.
Merrill Landscape Services offers comprehensive weed control programs designed to eliminate spotted spurge and strengthen your lawn from the roots up. Contact our team today to start your lawn care program in Illinois!
