Shannan Cochrane is on a mission and needs some help. The Cottonwood Heights resident wants to eradicate myrtle spurge from the canyons and foothills. Myrtle spurge is an invasive plant that chokes out native vegetation and can be a health hazard for people and pets.

The sinister succulent is often sold at nurseries as a waterwise landscaping plant, but it spreads quickly, wreaking havoc on nearby terrain. It’s also difficult to remove, as the spurge releases a toxic sap that can irritate the skin and eyes.

“It’s so bad in Millcreek Canyon that it’s made its way halfway up the canyon, especially on the south side,” Cochrane said. “Then I started noticing it closer to home, like the mouth of Big Cottonwood…That’s when I started pulling and I’ve been pulling for probably four years now to keep it from moving.”

Cochrane is not alone in her efforts to remove myrtle spurge from public lands. Robert Edgel, a habitat restoration biologist with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, said he’s been dealing with the plant for several years. At first, the division was hand-pulling the myrtle spurge, trying to eradicate it from the mouth of Parley’s Canyon, but the plant grew back so quickly that they started using herbicide to combat the invasion.

To remove the plant completely, Edgel said the spurge needs to be pulled up with at least four to six inches of root. Plus, the seeds can remain active in the soil for up to eight years. Gloves, pants, long-sleeved shirts and goggles should be worn to protect the skin and eyes from the toxic sap.

“We need more public education because people need to remove it from their yards,” Edgel said. “The Division of Wildlife is working with the Forest Service and Salt Lake County. We’re all partnering together to treat it in the wild lands. But the infestation is coming from the private landowners, the homeowners. So, unless we get rid of it there, it’s going to come back. That’s a key piece.”

Edgel said the plant has been found on public lands statewide, taking over open space where native plants used to grow. Once the original vegetation is gone, it’s hard to replace due to cost and labor. 

The DWR uses Roundup to kill the noxious weed since it seems impervious to other methods of removal. However, Edgel said he knows some people don’t want to use that herbicide and suggests Finalsan as an alternative. Its biodegradable formula leaves no toxins in the soil.

“As the federal government is cutting back on its spending, we need more state funding support for these efforts,” he said. “Let your state representatives know that the importance of providing funding to the watershed restoration initiative is important to be able to continue to do this work on public lands.”

Cochrane will continue fighting the battle against myrtle spurge and hopes to recruit more people to her cause. She schedules weed-pulling activities in nearby canyons and has contacted local leaders and city officials regarding the nuisance. 

“I’ve been living in Cottonwood Heights for almost 30 years now and I’ve just seen [myrtle spurge] continually spread,” she said. “No one person can do it by themselves. I’m trying to educate people. I made some flyers and anytime I see [myrtle spurge] on a property owner’s property, I stop and put a flyer in the mailbox. Or I’ll knock at their home and try to educate them about it.” λ