Myrtle spurge
(Euphorbia myrsinites)
A low-growing perennial plant from Eurasia that reproduces from seeds that it can project up to 15 feet. Myrtle spurge has waxy leaves that are blue-green in color, with yellow-green flowers that appear as petal-like bracts. The plants emit a toxic, milky latex when stems are broken – gloves are advised when hand-treating this plant.
Myrtle spurge has trailing, fleshy stems that grow 8–12 inches high and 12–18 inches wide. It is found commonly throughout Glenwood Springs and Battlement Mesa, and small patches have been found in areas of Westbank, Peach Valley and New Castle.