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Region 2 - Treasure Valley >> Leafy Spurge Panorama >> Leafy Spurge Characteristics Video

Leafy Spurge Characteristics Video                                      

Roger Batt looks around and notices quite a few plants that are actually in bloom. He asks Bonnie Davis to explain characteristics which will let people identify Leafy Spurge. Bonnie notes that people should look for the heart shaped bracts or leaves that are underneath the capsules, inside. She holds a plant close to identify the leaf and capsule which contain the seed. She notes that when the plant completes its growth process and becomes dry, the seed can erupt and shoot as far as 15 feet away. In addition to a deep root system, that is one reason the plant is so easily spread.

Bonnie also notes that the plant and flowers are very beautiful and many people think they are native wildflowers and they pick them to take them home to plant them in their own yards. This is another dangerous way the plant spreads. Roger notes that it is common for many noxious weeds to spread from one place to another because people make the mistake of picking what they think is an Idaho wildflower and taking it home.

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