Broadleaf Weeds - St Augustine Lawn - Spurge
BES-TEX Weed ID Guide · Broadleaf Weeds
Spurge
Also called Prostrate Spurge · Euphorbia spp.
Common Name
Spurge, Prostrate Spurge
Latin Name
Euphorbia spp.
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Life Cycle / Type
Summer annual · Broadleaf
What Is It?
Spurge is a low-growing summer annual broadleaf weed that forms flat, spreading mats. It has small oval leaves, often with a reddish spot, and produces a milky sap when stems are broken. It commonly appears in hot, dry, compacted areas, sidewalks, and thin turf.
Soil Temperature & Germination
Spurge germinates as soils warm in late spring and summer.
Above 65°F
Germination begins
Above 75°F
Rapid emergence and spread
Decision Question
Is the spurge visible above the soil right now?
Why This Weed Comes Back
Missed late-spring or early-summer pre-emergent timing
Hot, compacted, or bare soil
Thin or drought-stressed turf
Learn the Basics
A healthy, thick lawn is the best defense against weeds.
