Why Leafy Spurge spreads so easily and is so difficult to eradicate.
1) Leafy spurge is an aggressive, deep-rooted perennial herb
2) Reproduces from seed - prolific spreader
3) Reproduces from numerous vegetative buds along its extensive vertical and horizontal root systems
4) Seeds are dispersed by ants, birds, grazing animals, humans, and water
5) Germination of leafy spurge seed can occur throughout the growing season
6) The roots of leafy spurge can reach a depth of 15 feet
7) The plant possesses both sexual and asexual reproduction
8) It is adaptable to any soil types
9) Most aggressive under dry conditions where competition from native plants is reduced
10) Usurps available water and nutrients and exudes plant toxins that prevent the growth of other plants underneath it.
11) The root system contains a large nutrient reserve that can sustain the plant for years
12) Cultivation, mowing, and pulling produces new plants
13) Pieces of root can survive two or three hours of drying in the hot sun.
14) Pieces of roots as small as 0.5 inch long and 0.1 inch diameter will produce new roots.
15) Seeds can remain dormant up to 5 years
