How to Kill Spotted Spurge

Spotted spurge thrives in the heat of summer. This speckled weed is an unsightly nuisance in the lawn, taking up residence in weak areas of the turf, and also invades landscaping beds, sidewalk cracks, and vegetable gardens.

Spotted Spurge Defined

Spotted spurge is a low-growing weed that spreads from a central taproot. Its hairy stems are reddish in color, and the oval-shaped leaves have that characteristic red spot. Once established, each bright green plant forms a thick mat that can be up to 3 feet in diameter. After germinating in mid-spring, the plant's inconspicuous, green flowers bloom from June until September.

In addition to its signature red spots, spotted spurge can be distinguished by the milky sap that is emitted when any plant part is split open. This sap can be toxic to people and pets, causing skin irritation or a burning sensation in the mouth and throat when ingested. Though these reactions are typically minor, it's important to keep any kids or pets running around the yard safe. If you suspect that you, someone else, or your pet may have come into contact with spurge sap, contact your doctor or vet (as appropriate) immediately.

Spotted spurge has a super close relative, prostrate spurge. They're so close, some botanists consider these two to be the same species. The good news is that most herbicides that control spotted spurge will control prostrate spurge as well (always double check the label to confirm). Spotted spurge leaves are a darker green, and prostrate spurge generally forms roots at the leaf nodes whereas spotted spurge does not. 

3 Methods for Killing and Preventing Spotted Spurge

Spotted spurge spreads quickly throughout weak areas in your lawn by producing several thousand seeds per plant. Even though it's a summer annual, late-season seeds can sprout next spring after lying dormant during cold temperatures. This warm-weather pest begins seed production a mere 5 weeks after germination, so early detection and treatment are key.

1. Spot treat at the first sign of growth.

An easy way to prevent an infestation is to remove the weed from your landscape before it begins to produce seed. When these weeds do pop up, pull them out or spot treat them with Ortho® WeedClear™ Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Use before they have time to produce seed. Those with Southern lawn grasses should try out Ortho® WeedClear™ Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Use₁ instead. Both these weed killers can help control spurge, along with many other pesky weeds as listed, without harming your lawn (when used as directed). 

Hand-pulling is a good option if you only have one or two weeds because of spurge's central taproot. Even though they're pretty easy to pull, be careful not to scatter any seeds or leave a portion of the root in the ground as it could grow back.

2. Control an infestation of spotted spurge.

If you've got a large spotted spurge problem in the lawn, apply Ortho® WeedClear™ Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray or Ortho® WeedClear™ Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate. Both these products allow you to make broader applications to your lawn, still without harming your grass when used as directed. When using any weed control product, remember to read and follow all label directions. 

3. Kill spotted spurge in hardscapes like driveways, sidewalks, and patios.

Spotted spurge is one of those weeds that can creep up in your hardscapes, too. While spotted spurge is easy to pull up from the ground, it can be a bit harder to completely uproot from the tight little cracks and crevices it loves to grow out of. Spot treat these areas with Ortho® GroundClear® Weed & Grass Killer with Comfort Wand®. You can also use this OMRI listed weed control product to kill spotted spurge in landscape beds or under trees.

4. Create a thick lawn to crowd out future weeds.

Spotted spurge will take advantage of any bare spots or weak areas in your lawn. To keep it out, make sure you're doing proper maintenance on your lawn, including feeding and watering your lawn regularly and mowing it at the proper height. These steps help keep the turf full and dense to ensure that this non-competitive plant—and other weeds—won't have room to grow. 

Spotted spurge isn't the worst weed to find in your lawn, but don't let it overrun your lawn and landscape. Take action to keep it under control, or you may find yourself with a dense mat of weeds in place of your lawn.