Invasive species

Invasive spurge laurel

How to get rid of invasive spurge laurel
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This is a slow-growing, shade-tolerant, evergreen shrub from Europe and the Mediterranean.  Spurge laurel (Daphne laureola) likes part shade and well-drained soil. The plant is found in isolated clumps and grows 2-4′ tall.

It resembles a rhododendron and thus is sometimes not recognized early when its easier to get rid of.  The leaves are thick and shiny dark green and are densely whorled near the top of the stem. Small light-green flowers with orange stamens appear in late January to late March and are highly fragrant to night moths.

Its berries are spread by birds and rodents but the plant also spreads by root sprouts.  While birds like the berries, they are poisonous to humans, dogs and cats and handling the plant can cause contact dermatitis.  Be sure to wear gloves and cover up if you’re digging them out.

Read more in this brochure about spurge laurel.

Some native plant alternatives are:

  1. Evergreen huckleberry
  2. Tall Oregon grape
  3. Salal
  4. Western rhododendron
  5. Sword fern

Videos

Projects

River View Cemetery Restoration Project

West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District began working with River View Cemetery in 2012 to restore over 14 acres of forested land covered with highly invasive weeds such as English ivy and “Traveler’s Joy” […]

Englewood Restoration Project

Englewood Restoration Project offers wildlife and native plant diversity to the adjacent Tryon Creek State Park. Nestled on the edge of Tryon Creek State Park, a group of eight property owners are working with the Conservation […]

Abbey Creek Spurge Laurel Project

Our spurge laurel (Daphne laureola) program has been active for five years across the District in urban and rural areas alike, but perhaps the greatest focus area has been in Abbey Creek. This watershed is dotted […]

Organizations