{"id":119263,"date":"2026-05-12T16:28:15","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T19:28:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=119263"},"modified":"2026-05-12T16:54:37","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T19:54:37","slug":"what-does-spurge-weed-look-like","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/what-does-spurge-weed-look-like\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does Spurge Weed Look Like?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Spurge weed is an annoying, low-growing plant that pops up in the bare or thin areas of your lawn.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>But what does spurge weed look like exactly? It has reddish stems, small oval leaves, and a milky sap that can irritate your skin.<\/p>    <p>In this article, we\u2019ll help you recognize whether you\u2019re dealing with spurge or another look-alike weed so you can choose the right approach to remove it from your yard.<\/p>    <p>For large weed infestations, hire a LawnStarter <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">lawn treatment pro<\/a> to identify and treat lawn weeds, restoring your lawn.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways:<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 Common lawn spurges have small leaves along a pink to reddish stem.&nbsp;<br>\u2022 The key identifying factor? Milky sap that oozes when stems are cut.<br>\u2022 Spurge and purslane are often confused. Check the sap to get an ID: Unlike spurge, purslane has clear sap.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-a6d9cf6d-1f61-4a8f-a7e7-1d87ffce43de\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article, we\u2019ll cover:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/what-does-spurge-weed-look-like\/#0-how-to-identify-spurge-weed\" style=\"\">How to Identify Spurge Weed<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/what-does-spurge-weed-look-like\/#3-where-does-spurge-weed-grow\" style=\"\">Where Does Spurge Weed Grow?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/what-does-spurge-weed-look-like\/#4-faq-about-identifying-spurge-weed\" style=\"\">FAQ About Identifying Spurge Weed<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-how-to-identify-spurge-weed\">How to Identify Spurge Weed<\/h2>    <p>As <a href=\"https:\/\/union.ces.ncsu.edu\/profile\/deborah-dillion\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Debbie Dillon<\/a>, a horticulture expert at North Carolina State University, says, identifying the weed that\u2019s growing in your lawn helps you choose the most effective control technique and understand your soil conditions.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p><strong>Here&#8217;s how to tell if it&#8217;s a spurge weed:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Lifecycle:<\/strong> Summer annual (spotted, prostrate, and creeping spurge). It sprouts in late winter or early spring and can thrive until fall frosts arrive.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Leaves: <\/strong>Oval or lobed, often with a milky white or red vein running down the center.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Milky Sap: <\/strong>Oozes out when you break or cut the stem. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clemson.edu\/cafls\/faculty_staff\/profiles\/ash7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Anna Hill<\/a>, horticulture Extension agent at Clemson University, \u201cThis sap has varying levels of toxicity depending on the species and can cause allergic dermatitis in many people.\u201d<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Flowers: <\/strong>Tiny greenish-yellow flowers in clusters near the top of the stems. They don\u2019t have petals, but \u201cthey produce thousands of small seeds that do not require a dormancy period, allowing them to spread quickly,\u201d says Hill.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Stems:<\/strong> Hill says, \u201cStems are hairy, and at some stage in the life cycle, they are pink to reddish.\u201d Spurge clusters can grow up to 3 feet across.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Roots: <\/strong>Central taproot system capable of extending more than 20 inches into the soil.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-spurge-vs-purslane\">Spurge vs. Purslane<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Spurge-vs-Purslane-1.jpg\" alt=\"Side-by-side comparison of spurge and purslane weeds, showing different leaf shapes, stem colors, and low-growing habits on pavement.\" class=\"wp-image-149305\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Spurge-vs-Purslane-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Spurge-vs-Purslane-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Spurge-vs-Purslane-1-656x437.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Spurge-vs-Purslane-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Spurge-vs-Purslane-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Side by side image of Spurge and Purslane. Photo Credits:<br>Spurge: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/50697352@N00\/14820896205\/in\/photolist-2nDjg15-2n7NpVc-28NTgtb-2n9UHME-2n7Wzk6-2n9Wz9w-2n7Wrf8-2n9UDAZ-byB6kD-ozEY6c-2n9PwT1-2n7TLrD-aaSWKU-2n9XDxa-2ntwd9s-uGWwtP-2nudHXP-oBqAfc-uHboxX-2m7dRET-otXVRu-tL6wJP-oibsJw-uGWutg-2nubhmf-2nucx4k-2nucwLb-2nucwLM-2nucx3Z-oJqQBE-oLsFfX-2nu62GQ-2nucwJY-2nubgud-oLbVz6-2nudHUY-2nudHVQ-2nubguD-ppKU1k-p8fMLp-p8gDW3-279v1Ej-cs544A-np3Q3p-2ngrXHX-2nrNGJb-2qRFYMx-2qRAhA4-2qREMy5-5fDCRL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">F. D. Richards<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><br>Purslane: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/katunchik\/23517246200\/in\/photolist-BQ92Y5-BTUFq8-2Y43Jr-BjLcYC-9DxjmZ-2k9RTRQ-9DAaW5-6f1e9i-2qWg5Xv-2kcfBpQ-7U7Ba7-7U7BbE-7fsfWJ-2iXA82L-HzsA11-2iXDYQM-2iXA7Mn-ruhnnx-2iXAan2-6f5pv1-4TU1EX-2iXCrCC-4TTZPi-2jdX6cM-4TYfMy-4TTZ5D-edH7Yt-edH86B-h5ZAC-546vYY-74wV3D-U1yZDZ-74wUS2-ru5StJ-s7LaHx-h5ZsV-h5Zpm-cWBpLf-sr6gy2-2je2cPv-2jdZTHG-TCaQq5-sr4nZP-u6t2Go-219zwKV-57nmKZ-uKTFS9-PM4NaX-v3tC2g-8sbUBA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Katya<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Prostrate spurge, a lawn weed that is poisonous if eaten, is often confused with common purslane, an edible weed. Here\u2019s how to tell them apart:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Prostrate Spurge<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Common Purslane<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Milky, white sap<\/td><td>Clear sap<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Green, pink, or white flowers<\/td><td>Yellow flowers<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dry, flat leaves<\/td><td>Succulent leaves<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p><strong>Pro Tip: <\/strong>Still unsure if it&#8217;s spurge? Check out handy weed identification apps like PictureThis, Plant Story, or PlantNet.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-types-of-spurge-weed-identification-tips\">Types of Spurge Weed: Identification Tips<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1024px-Euphorbia_humistrata_NRCS-01.jpg\" alt=\"Prostrate spurge (Euphorbia humistrata)\u00a0\" class=\"wp-image-119267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1024px-Euphorbia_humistrata_NRCS-01.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1024px-Euphorbia_humistrata_NRCS-01-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1024px-Euphorbia_humistrata_NRCS-01-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/1024px-Euphorbia_humistrata_NRCS-01-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Prostrate Spurge. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Euphorbia_humistrata_NRCS-01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Robert H. Mohlenbrock. Provided by USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute (WSI)<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Public_domain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Public domain<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>With over 2,000 spurge species, the exact species in your yard might vary. However, the 3 most common types that plague lawns and gardens include:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Spotted spurge (<\/strong><strong><em>Euphorbia maculata<\/em><\/strong><strong>)<\/strong>: Small oval leaves (less than half an inch), often with a reddish spot in the center and reddish-pink stems.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Prostrate spurge (<\/strong><strong><em>Euphorbia humistrata<\/em><\/strong><strong>)<\/strong>: Leaves are typically small, oval-shaped, and pale green. According to Hill, \u201cThe primary distinguishing factor of prostrate spurge is the absence of leaf spots.\u201d<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Creeping spurge (<\/strong><strong><em>Euphorbia serpens<\/em><\/strong><strong>)<\/strong>: Light green, pale red, or almost white leaves. Unlike the spotted variety, it has no distinct leaf markings. Moreover, \u201cThe leaves are also smaller and rounder than those of the prostrate spurge,\u201d Hill says.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-where-does-spurge-weed-grow\">Where Does Spurge Weed Grow?<\/h2>    <p>Look for spurge in areas of your yard where the grass is weak or sparse, such as along sidewalks, in garden beds, or near the edges of your lawn.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>While it can grow almost anywhere, spurge thrives in hot, dry conditions and poor or compacted soil. Although some species are found regionally, you\u2019re likely to see spurge in lawns throughout the lower 48.<\/p>    <p>If you spot spurge taking over, fight back immediately. Read our guides on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-get-rid-of-spurge-weed\/\">How to Get Rid of Spurge<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-prevent-spurge-weed\/\">How to Prevent Spurge<\/a> to learn how to control this persistent weed.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-faq-about-identifying-spurge-weed\">FAQ About Identifying Spurge Weed<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1778403183005\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Does Spurge Weed Come Back?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, spurge weed can definitely come back if not properly managed. For one, it has a long taproot that makes it difficult to remove completely. Even if you pull it out, the plant can regenerate from any remaining roots left in the soil.\u00a0<br><br>Additionally, spurge produces a large number of seeds (thousands from a single plant) that can remain dormant in the soil for years, ready to sprout when conditions are right. So, if you don\u2019t take steps to control it, you\u2019ll find spurge returning season after season.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1778403191902\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is Spurge Weed Poisonous?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. All varieties of spurge produce a milky white sap that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people. If ingested, it can be harmful to pets and livestock, potentially leading to serious health issues. When dealing with spurge, Hill says, \u201cWear gloves to avoid contact dermatitis.\u201d<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-don%E2%80%99t-let-spurge-sneak-in\">Don\u2019t Let Spurge Sneak In<\/h2>    <p>Identifying and eliminating weeds can be tricky, but you don&#8217;t have to figure it out alone. LawnStarter has trusted lawn care experts in your area ready to help. They&#8217;ll take a look at your lawn, pinpoint the problem, and create a custom plan to get rid of spurge for good.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Reach out to LawnStarter\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">local lawn treatment pros<\/a> today.&nbsp;<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-8a26a9b4-a61c-4e24-bca7-ac980cba5612\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"true\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-8a26a9b4-a61c-4e24-bca7-ac980cba5612\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-8a26a9b4-a61c-4e24-bca7-ac980cba5612\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Source:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-8a26a9b4-a61c-4e24-bca7-ac980cba5612\">  <p>Anna Hill, horticulture Extension agent with Clemson University, Barnwell, South Carolina. Personal interview.<\/p>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p>Main Image: Closeup of Spotted Spurge in a lawn. Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/cricketsblog\/51559716423\/in\/photolist-2mya2nZ-2zYXix-cJWPAQ-2cPmnoD-cJWPo5-63dY7K-63dYaV-2kHPN7u-63dY5t-63ie3N-63idMs-2kHQeBP-2n18PwH-WzdL3R-WjfyFL-VkD2RM-WjfynE-WvCwVL-VkDtER-Krgq65-KWSLPS-2kHPLKg-2kHL6A2-c3FN1N-VhYL4y-WvCqsW-a9nheL-VkD3vc-VYTHCY-WvCnko-WjfDbY-WjfBwW-Wzebd4-Wze3Gx-WnxcSP-WjfPD1-VYTJ47-WvCt23-WzeaEa-WvCypY-VkDoTM-WvCsHs-WjfPcj-Wze1Uz-WvChzG-VYTJnJ-WvCvAG-Wze2gM-WjfAyJ-Wnx8zR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Melissa McMasters<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To tell what spurge weed looks like, check for oval leaves on reddish stems, which produce a milky sap when cut. It often grows close to the ground.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":164,"featured_media":149307,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[9],"class_list":["post-119263","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-2","tag-lawn-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/spotted-spurge-2.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Tatiana Barrie","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/tatiana-barrie\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Does Spurge Weed Look Like?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"To tell what spurge weed looks like, check for oval leaves on reddish stems, which produce a milky sap when cut. 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