Island County > Public Health > Natural Resources > Noxious Weed Control Board > Terrible 10 - Spurge Laurel

Terrible 10 - Spurge Laurel

Spurge Laurel

Found in shady woodland areas with well-drained soil.
Evergreen shrub, 2-4 ft tall with long narrow, glossy dark green leaves forming a whorl at the top of the stalk. Small light green flowers appear between Jan and April at base of leaves. Flowers are bitter-fragrant, and sap has an unpleasant odor. Early summer black berries are toxic to mammals.
Escaped from gardens, tossed into wooded areas during garden cleanup. Seeds dispersed by birds.
Spreads via seed and roots to take over forest ecosystems; toxic to humans—even touching a pet that has rubbed against it can cause contact dermatitis and seeds are poisonous if eaten.

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