KEY FACTS ABOUT PLANTING

IDENTIFIERS MYRTLE SPURGE ALTERNATIVES

• Myrtle spurge ( myrsinites) is Myrtle also known as donkeytail, creeping, or spurge is blue spurge. known by gardeners • All parts contain a for its poisonous white milky unusual sap that can cause serious and skin irritation. its ability to survive in Blue-green with a white milky sap. • spread by both seed and root hard-to-garden locations. However, because

fragments. of its invasive nature and poisonous sap, it is being dug up by many concerned • Myrtle spurge is out-competing native gardeners. Yellow flowers plant communities in our local foothills with chartreuse and canyons. Good alternatives to myrtle spurge include . drought-tolerant perennials, • Myrtle spurge is a listed noxious weed in natives, and other commonly found Salt Lake County. Therefore, it is illegal to ornamentals that attract beneficial insects sell it in Salt Lake County. Many nurseries and wildlife. Some good choices include: and growers outside of Salt Lake are choosing it. not to sell Utah Water-wise Natives: • Sulphur flower Erigonum umbellatum • Myrtle spurge may seem beneficial • Sundance Daisy Hymenoxys acaulis because it is drought tolerant and easy to • Fragrant evening primrose Multiple flowers care for; However, there are much better Oenothera caespitosa per stem. Plants alternatives that are less harmful to our • Desert Four-oclock Mirabilis multiflora throw their seeds environment. up to 15 feet. Other natives and ornamentals: Seed pod • Penstemon Penstemon sp. PLANTING ALTERNATIVES • Sedums (such as Hen & Chicks) • Heterotheca villosa

RECOGNIZE THIS CONTACT MANAGEMENT PLANT? INFORMATION OPTIONS

Salt Lake County WARNING! Caution must be taken to avoid skin and eye WARNING! Sage Fitch irritation from contact with SLCo Operations: 385-468-4035 the plant sap. To protect yourself always wear gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection. Email: [email protected] Website: www.slco.org/weeds/ Manual Control • Control small infestations by digging. Try to dig up at least 4” of the root if possible. • Dispose of all the plant parts in the Photo: Patrick Nelson, BCWMA garbage instead of composting.

MYRTLE SPURGE Chemical Control • Apply repeatedly with 2,4-D or glypho- sate (brand names include Weed-B-Gon is an invasive or Roundup), in the fall for greatest effect. popular in xeriscapes and rock • Use caution when using herbicides and gardens . Not only is this noxious always follow the label. weed threatening our foothills and Which ever method you choose, manual or national forests, but it is also a chemical, be consistent for multiple years public health threat . to have success.

Photos: Tony Frates, UNPS DETAILS INSIDE This brochure was created by the Bonneville CWMA with funding provided by the US Forest Service and the Utah Weed Supervisors Association Photos: Tony Frates, UNPS