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Integrated Crop Management
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Toothed spurge

Toothed spurge           Euphorbia dentata Michx.

Family:   Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family)

Life cycle:   Annual

Habitat:  Crop fields, waste areas.

General description:  Erect plants reaching heights of 2 ft.  Leaves are highly variable, ovate to lanceolate, up to 3 in long, with dentate margin.  Occasionally leaves with have purple spots.  Leaf margins shallowly to coarsely toothed, pubescent on both sides.  Leaves may be opposite or alternate, sometimes have purple spots.  Cluster of green flowers produced at end of stems, developing into three-lobed rounded fruit.   Milky sap from leaves and stems.

Key ID traits:  Milky sap; toothed leaves.

Similar species:  Wild poinsettia is very similar to toothed spurge, but its leaves are shinier and turn red at the base.

Miscellaneous:   Toothed spurge was first noted as a significant problem in the mid-1980’s following the introduction of the ALS-inhibiting herbicides.   Problems with this weed have diminished since the introduction of Roundup Ready crops.

cluster of three-lobed capsules at terminal end of branches
Cluster of three-lobed capsules at terminal end of branches
erect, branched growth habit with dentate leaf margins
Erect, branched growth habit with dentate leaf margins
Authored by:
Bob Hartzler
Bob Hartzler
  • Retired Weed Scientist and Professor of Agronomy
Dr. Bob Hartzler is a former professor of agronomy and a former extension weed specialist with a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from Iowa State University. He conducted research on weed biology and how it impacts the efficacy of weed management programs in corn and soybean. Dr. Hartzler also taught undergraduate classes in weed science and weed identification.
Meaghan Anderson
Meaghan Anderson
  • Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist serving nine counties in central Iowa and an extension specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Areas of expertise include weed management, weed biology, cover crops, corn and soybean management, and integrated pest management.

Meaghan holds a bachelor's degree in agronomy and a master's degree in crop production and physiology (focus: weed science) from Iowa State University.

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