|
|
|
Weed Identification |
Leafy Spurge
Stems: Erect, with numerous weak sterile branches. Main stem up to 3 ft tall and smooth. Exudes a milky juice when bruised.
Leaves: Alternate, sessile, 1-4 inches long, narrow strap-shaped, bluish-green. Leaves of the flowering branches paired, broads, closely clasping the stems.- Flowers: Yellowish, minute, borne on forking leafy branches. Flowering period is from May to July.
- Fruits: 3-lobed and 3-celled, each cell bearing a single seed.
- Seeds: Oblong, grayish to brown or purple.
Leafy spurge is a perennial that forms large colonies. Branches and paired leaves become yellow at maturity, entire plant turns orange or red in the fall. It is usually found along stream banks, on unplanted sites or in pasture and rangeland. It propagates both by rootstock and by seed. The plant contains a latex that causes severe irritation of the mouth and digestive system of cattle and horses.
Control is very important owing to the toxicity of the plant. Integrated management is most effective. Once established, it is very difficult to control.
Biological: Goats and sheep are not damaged by grazing the plant, and can perform limited bio-control. Some flea-beetles are also capable of controlling infestations.
Chemical: Fall or early spring herbicide application is recommended. Older plants translocate herbicide poorly, so control by herbicide can be difficult. Most effective control occurs during the first 3-5 years of infestation.
Source: USDA Forest Service
Contact Information
General contact information for the Butte-Silver Bow Courthouse.
Postal address:
155 West Granite Street
Butte, MT 59701
Telephone: (406) 497-6200
FAX: (406) 497-6328
Chief Executive Paul Babb
The governments of the city of Butte and Silver Bow County combined in 1977. The government is lead by the Chief Executive, Paul Babb and a 12-member Council of Commissioners.
Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. MDT, with no noon closure. Business offices are closed for State and Federal holidays.
Essential Public Works Services, (water, sewer, and road maintenance) are available 24 hours, seven days a week.
- To report a water problem, dial 497-6540;
- A sewer problem, 497-6550;
- A road maintenance or animal control problem, 497-6565
The function of the Butte-Silver Bow Government is to serve the citizens of the city of Butte and Silver Bow County. Our government's goal is to improve and maintain governmental operations and conditions within the boundaries of Silver Bow County.