Leafy spurge (Euphorbia Esula L.) has become a serious menace to agriculture in northwest Iowa and in the adjoining states, Minnesota, North and South Dakota. It was collected at Mount Pleasant (Henry County) in 1899 and at Ames (Story County) in 1907. This weed seems to develop most vigorously in northwestern Iowa, where large patches occur on many farms. In order to determine the most effective means of exterminating this weed pest, it was necessary to learn more about its life history, growth, habits and structure in areas where it was well established.

An attempt has been made in this publication to place leafy spurge in its correct place taxonomically and to discuss the flowering, fruiting habits, pollination, seed studies, seed dispersal, root system, leaf, stem and root structures.