Invasive Species: Spurge Laurel

Daphne laureola

Spurge laurel is a native of Western Europe and the southern countries of Eastern Europe. All the Willamette Valley counties have this species and large populations are found in Yamhill, Benton, and Douglas counties. Deciduous forests are the perfect habitat for the partial shade that spurge laurel thrives in, also along edges of coniferous forests.

Why is it important to control?

Spurge laurel damages habitat by expanding to dominate the understory, crowding out native species. Birds disperse the seeds into new areas. Oak woodland forests are at great risk from this invasive. Most plant parts are toxic to humans and the sap can cause skin irritation.

How can you identify it?

Photo of spurge laurel in flowerPhoto of spurge laurel berries
Habitat: Forest understories, forest openings, oak woodlands.
Life Cycle: Perennial, woody shrub
Height: 1.5 to 5ft (0.5 – 1.5m)
Leaf Description: Evergreen, waxy, oval leaves arranged in spiral clusters.
Fruit & Flower Description: Yellow-green flowers in January. Green berries ripen to dark purple.
Bloom Time: January to April

How do you control it?

  • Make sure to wear long sleeves and gloves when handling this plant.

  • Manual removal is effective. Best to remove in late winter or early spring.

  • For plants too large for manual removal, cut stem treatment with herbicide is recommended.

  • Herbicide control:  a triclopyr based herbicide has been shown to be effective. Refer to the PNW Weed Management Handbook for specific recommendations. FOLLOW ALL LABEL DIRECTIONS!

  • The Oregon Department of Agriculture has no approved biocontrols.

How to report it?

There are various ways you can report this noxious weed.

For More Info: