Weed spotlight - Spotted Spurge
Author: Stefan Palm Date Posted: 20 March 2018
Spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata) is a highly invasive weed that has become quite a nuisance this summer. I haven't seen it much in years gone by but this year has seen it explode in numbers.
It has small dark green/red leaves with spots on them (hence the name) and it has the capacity to spread from the odd weed here or there to a virtual invasion of your whole landscape. It has a flat, prostrate habit and quickly moves from lawns into pavers, pathways, garden beds and pretty much anwhere it can find some soil. It does this by means of its prolific seeding ability. Spurge loves hot, dry conditions and thrives in weak or unhealthy lawn and landscape environments.
Its one of those weeds that I would say is easy to kill but hard to prevent from coming back. Once you have an outbreak, you'll have to repeat spray till you have exhausted all the seed in the soil. It's coming to the end of its warm season run but its worth having a crack at it now but be warned, you may have to continue your efforts next spring and summer when conditions become favourable again. The best way to control spotted spurge is with a broadleaf, selective herbicide such as Amgrow Bin-Die. For a better result, use a non-ionic wetting agent such Heiniger Wetter and Spreader. It makes the selective herbicide much more effective.
Comments (7)
Spotted spurge in Zoysia Empire lawn
By: Peter Ashton on 18 January 2025Can you advise what’s best to kill this without killing my Empire lawn. I have used bow and arrow effectively on oxalis but it really knocks the lawn around. And the spurge is a far bigger and concentrated area to deal with.
Paul Munns Instant Lawn Response
Hi Peter, it sounds like there may be a few things happening there! Please give us a call on 8298 0555 so we can work on a solution for you.
Spurge, and creeping oxaluse
By: Ian on 27 December 2024Could you please advise how to get rid of spurge, and creeping oxalise in premium Kikuyu lawn. Thanks
Paul Munns Instant Lawn Response
Hi Ian, the best way to get rid of spotted spurge and creeping oxalis in kikuyu is with a broadleaf herbicide such as Bin-Die or Bow and Arrow. You'll likely have to repeat spray to control these weeds. Thanks for your enquiry.
spotted spurge
By: glen on 27 December 2024will amgrow kleen lawn kill spotted spurge
Paul Munns Instant Lawn Response
Hi Greg, we don't sell Amgrow Kleen Lawn here, so I can't advise specifically on that one sorry! Always read the label before using any chemical. If it's labelled to kill spotted spurge or broadleaf weeds, then you could give it a go. Thanks for your enquiry.
Spotted Spurge in Bermuda Couch
By: Greg on 24 December 2024Hi there...we've been infested with this over the pas month or so..can you suggest a product that will kill it but not our lawn? Cheers, Greg
Paul Munns Instant Lawn Response
Hi Greg, you can use Amgrow Bin-Die mixed with Heiniger Wetter and Spreader to kill spotted spurge in couch. Spotted spurge is a persistent weed, so you will likely have to spray several times before it stops coming back. Thanks for your enquiry.
Spotted spurge
By: Mary Duncan on 23 March 2024Spotted spurge in Santa Ana lawn in Perth,WA Is there a herbicide which is safe to use on this lawn type, pre or post emergent Thank you
Paul Munns Instant Lawn Response
Hi Mary Thanks for your enquiry We have a product called Bow and Arrow which can be used Safely on Santa Ana lawns to control spotted spurge Thank you
Maculata in Queensland blue W.A
By: Stephen warren on 31 December 2023Whats the best selective weed spray for spurge in my lawn
Paul Munns Instant Lawn Response
Hi Stephen Thanks for your enquiry The best way to control spurge in your lawn is by using a product called Amgrow Bin-Die killer Thank you
Spotted spurge
By: Jim Hickey on 31 May 2021I have it taking over our lawn which i think is buffalo. What should i spray it with
Paul Munns Instant Lawn Response
Hi Jim Thanks for your query We recommend using a broadleaf selective spray such as Yates Buffalo Pro and mix with a non-ionic wetter and spreader for better results Thank you