Noticing a weed I have probably seen often but never identified, I took a picture and examined it. Although there are at least five genus of spurge, I recognized the prostrate spurge (Euphorbia humistrata), often confused with spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata).

Part of the same genus, each species has similarities. Both are summer annuals with hairy stems and leaves, growing rapidly in sidewalk cracks and driveways and flourishing in nutrient poor soil and landscapes. This broadleaf weed germinates from tiny flowers in June and July, producing seeds in the fall, and can also spread through rooting stems throughout the soil. Additionally, both plants contain a milky white sap that is released when the stem or leaf is broken, which can cause skin irritation or blistering upon contact.

However, differences between the two are noticeable because the spotted spurge grows vertically across the ground, whereas prostrate spurge mirrors its name and grows horizontally, forming round mats up to 2 feet in diameter.

According to Ohio State University, the individual leaves of the prostrate spurge are small and oval, measuring approximately ¼ inches in length with a purple spot along the midrib. The opposite stemmed hairy leaves reach out and crawl, forming roots as they grow, producing flowers until September, which contain both male and female parts within a cluster. These tiny flowers, according to Purdue University, produce a fruit that consists of a three-lobed, three-seeded capsule with stiff hairs on its surface.

The ideal cultural control of spurge is proper turf management and fertilization of lawns. There is no known biological control, but chemical control can include a pre-emergence and postemergence herbicide. Prior to the germination of spurge, a spring application helps control its emergence. Once spurge has germinated, an application in the cooler fall weather can control additional seeding for the coming spring. Pulling by hand or hoeing can also be effective for small patches of spurge because of shallow roots, but it must be repeated often to prevent missed roots from the regrowth of seeds that can remain in the soil for many years.

If pulling or hoeing, wear gloves, long sleeves and goggles to prevent the toxic sap from contacting your skin or eyes. Animals that eat spurge can become sick, depending on the amount consumed.

For many reasons, this is one weed to eliminate from your yard or garden, and to consistently repeat any possible successful method of removal to maintain a healthy lawn.

Kane Shipka is an Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer in Mahoning County.