If you’ve noticed a low-growing, brownish weed creeping across your landscape this summer, chances are you’ve encountered prostrate spurge. While it may look harmless at first glance, this common Arizona weed can spread rapidly, crowd out desirable plants, and quickly become a headache for homeowners if left unchecked.
A common sight across Arizona
Prostrate spurge is one of the most prevalent weeds found throughout Arizona. It thrives in our hot, dry climate and is especially common in gravel landscapes, turf areas, cracks in sidewalks, planter beds, and disturbed soil.
The weed typically appears during the warmer months when temperatures rise and monsoon moisture begins to arrive. Once established, it can spread surprisingly fast.
How to identify prostrate spurge
Prostrate spurge often starts as a small plant but can quickly expand into large mats several feet across.
Common characteristics include:
- Brownish-green to reddish stems
- Small oval leaves, often with a dark spot in the center
- A low, ground-crawling growth habit
- Ability to spread outward from a central root
- Milky white sap when stems are broken
While it is called prostrate spurge because it usually grows flat against the ground, some varieties and growing conditions can cause it to grow more upright, making identification a little more challenging.
Why it's a problem
One of the biggest concerns with prostrate spurge is how quickly it reproduces.
A single plant can produce thousands of seeds. These seeds can remain viable in the soil for years, waiting for the right conditions to germinate. Once the plant begins producing seed, wind, water, foot traffic, pets, and landscape maintenance activities can help spread it to neighboring properties.
What starts as a small patch in one yard can quickly become a neighborhood-wide issue if not addressed promptly.
Early removal is key
The best time to deal with prostrate spurge is as soon as you see it.
Young plants are relatively easy to remove by hand, especially after irrigation or rainfall when the soil is softer. Be sure to remove the entire root system and dispose of the plant before it has an opportunity to produce seed.
For larger infestations, homeowners may need to:
- Hand-pull existing weeds
- Apply pre-emergent weed control products at the appropriate times of year
- Spot-treat actively growing weeds with a labeled post-emergent herbicide
- Maintain healthy turf and landscape plants to reduce open areas where weeds can establish
Always follow manufacturer instructions when using herbicides.
Protecting your landscape — and your neighbors'
Because prostrate spurge spreads so readily, addressing it quickly benefits more than just your own property. Prompt removal helps prevent seeds from spreading throughout the community and reduces the likelihood of recurring infestations in future seasons.
If you spot prostrate spurge in your yard, don’t wait. A few minutes spent removing a small patch today can save hours of weed control down the road.
Quick tip
If you’re unsure whether a plant is prostrate spurge, carefully break a stem. The presence of a milky white sap is one of the easiest ways to distinguish spurge from many other common Arizona weeds. Or, contact us and we will gladly help you make the identification.
By staying vigilant and removing weeds early, homeowners can help keep Arizona landscapes healthy, attractive, and easier to maintain all season long.