Leafy Spurge Stakeholders Group

Leafy Spurge in Manitoba

Stakeholders

Who are we? The Leafy Spurge Stakeholders Group (LSSG) is a broad coalition of agricultural and conservation groups and all three levels of government. The LSSG strives to increase awareness of leafy spurge among the general public, landowners/managers and governments What is leafy spurge? Declared a noxious weed in Manitoba, leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) is a long-lived and hardy plant introduced to North America from Europe and Asia . Quite distinctive during its blooming period, the vegetative form of leafy spurge is often overlooked, giving it time to establish before landowners notice it. Leafy spurge’s aggressive growth habits and lack of natural predators in North America allow it to easily displace native vegetation and it is quick to take advantage of disturbed sites. Leafy spurge can be found in pastures, agricultural lands, roadsides, ditches, and wooded and riparian areas. Landowners with severe infestations may face decreased land values, reduced productivity rates and a reduced income. The best defense against leafy spurge is to detect and treat new patches at an early stage, before they become a large problem.

The LSSG has received financial support from Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives' Covering New Ground program, the Habitat Stewardship Program of Environment Canada, the Sustainable Development Innovations Fund, the Brandon Area Community Foundation and a number of Manitoba municipalities.