MYRTLE SPURGE VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE Morgan Crowley Weed Program

MYRTLE SPURGE VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE Morgan Crowley, Weed Program Manager Wildlands Restoration Volunteers

Myrtle Spurge: Background • Euphorbia myrsinites • Native to SE Europe and Asia Minor

Myrtle Spurge: Background • • • Evergreen perennial Bright yellow bracts Spirally arranged leaves Flowers in spring Reproduces by seed

Myrtle Spurge: Background • Ornamental introduced for xeriscaping • List A noxious weed • Eradication required by the CO Noxious Weed Act (C. R. S. 35 -5. 5 -101 -119) • Spreads rapidly • Displaces native vegetation • Reduces wildlife forage • Waxy cuticle • Allelopathic? • Toxic!

Myrtle Spurge: Background • Toxic white, milky sap • More harmful to children than adults o Severe eye & skin irritation o Nausea, vomiting, & diarrhea www. sunridge. info www. uintahweeds. org

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

Myrtle Spurge Regional Partnership of many government and non-government agencies

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

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

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

Identification & Look-Alikes Euphorbia myrsinites (Myrtle Spurge)

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

Identification & Look-Alikes Euphorbia rigida Euphorbia maculata

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

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

Identification & Look-Alikes Oregon Grape Holly Yellow Alyssum

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)

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

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.

Questions? Morgan Crowley Wildlands Restoration Volunteers 303 -543 -1411 ext. 3# (Office) 720 -903 -6119 (Cell) morgan@wlrv. org www. wlrv. org