Euphorbia maculata
broadleaf weedUSDA zones 3–10Active: summerLow-growing summer annual that forms flat mats on bare or thin turf. Exudes a milky white sap when stems are broken. Prolific seed producer.
Small opposite leaves with a reddish-purple spot; flat, mat-forming growth; milky white sap from broken stems.
Spurge colonizes thin or bare spots. Overseed and fertilize to maintain dense coverage.
When: Overseed bare spots in fall; maintain thick turf
Pull before seed production. Use gloves as milky sap can irritate skin.
When: Pull young plants in late spring before they set seed
Apply in spring to prevent germination of this summer annual.
When: Apply in early spring before soil reaches 60F
Prevents spurge germination along with crabgrass. Apply in spring.
When: Apply when soil temperature reaches 55F (soil ≥ 55°F)
Active ingredient: Prodiamine — e.g. Barricade
Three-way herbicide controls emerged spurge. Apply to young plants.
When: Apply in early summer to young, actively growing plants
Active ingredient: 2,4-D + Dicamba — e.g. Trimec, Speedzone
Grass safety: always match herbicides to your grass species — products safe on Kentucky bluegrass can kill St. Augustine or centipede. Lawn Guardian checks this automatically against your lawn profile.
Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.
Get your free plan