Gaining Experience with a User-Friendly Option for Leafy Spurge Control Tackling Leafy Spurge in the West: A Cooperative Effort In the sprawling landscapes of Weston County, Wyoming, a quiet battle has been underway since the mid-1990s. This rural area, defined by ranches, livestock production, and oil fields, is also home to invasive species like leafy spurge—a weed that poses a significant threat to local ecosystems and the livelihoods of landowners. However, thanks to collaborative efforts between private landowners, local authorities, and innovative weed control programs, the fight against leafy spurge is being steadily won. The Invasive Challenge of Leafy Spurge Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) is one of several noxious weeds in Weston County. Its deep root systems and seed-spreading capabilities make it difficult to control. The roots can grow more than 13 feet deep, robbing native
plants of water and nutrients. Additionally, the plant can scatter its seeds up to 15 feet away by forcefully ejecting them from pods once they ripen. This aggressive spread quickly turns small infestations into vast expanses of invasive growth, making it a formidable opponent in any weed control effort. Leafy spurge’s harmful effects aren’t limited to plants. Its toxic sap can blister horses’ hooves and irritate humans, while many grazing animals naturally avoid it, further complicating management for ranchers. The USDA has also noted how this invasive weed reduces habitat quality for wildlife like bison, elk, and deer, adding ecological pressure to the region’s economic concerns.
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Weed Control
The Weston County Weed and Pest Control District has established various strategies to combat this invasive menace. “Our main programs focus on leafy spurge, hoary cress, Canada thistle, Russian and spotted knapweed, and several other species of smaller infestation sizes,” explained Hale Redding, the District Supervisor. This broad focus ensures that the district can manage the entire weed spectrum threatening the area’s agricultural and natural landscapes. A key component of the county’s leafy spurge program is aerial treatment, made possible by a grant that has funded these efforts since 2008. “Aerial applications have allowed us to cover a lot more ground than we would have been able to with ground crews alone,” Redding said. These treatments are essential in a county as vast and varied as Weston, where weed-infested terrain often lies in remote or rugged areas. In addition to aerial spraying, the district has implemented innovative strategies, such as goat grazing programs, which have yielded positive results. “We have several landowners in the program who are starting to see pretty good results with grazing alone,” Redding said. This natural, environmentally friendly method can be combined with chemical treatments, offering a dual approach that enhances long-term control of leafy spurge. Cost-sharing programs make treatments more affordable, allowing larger swaths of land to be treated. The combined efforts of ranchers, landowners, and the county are critical to suppressing this resilient weed across Weston County’s 2,400 square miles.
23
™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. GrazonPD3 ™ and Tordon 22K are Restricted Use Pestides. Not all products are registered in all states. Always read and follow label directions. ©2025 Corteva.
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker