Myrtle Spurge: A Threatening Invasive Plant in the Wasatch Front

Myrtle spurge, once an ornamental plant brought to Utah, has now spread to natural areas and is considered harmful to plants and wildlife. The Salt Lake County Health Department advises against touching or removing this invasive plant without proper safety measures.

Recognizable by its blue-green triangular leaves and milky latex sap, myrtle spurge quickly takes over foothills and wild lands in the Wasatch Front area. In the spring and summer months, it produces small flowers with yellow bracts. This plant spreads through seeds and can project them up to 15 feet.

The white sap of myrtle spurge can cause skin irritation, including rashes, redness, swelling, and blisters. It is important to avoid contact with the sap and flush the affected area with water if exposure does occur. The state of Utah classifies myrtle spurge as a noxious weed and restricts its sale.

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