Leafy spurge rainbow

Leafy spurge, one of the priority invasive species on the ranch, goes through a number of morphological changes throughout the growing season. We found a single site last week with spurge displaying colors commonly found at three distinct times during the summer: June (bright green on the left), July (green with yellowing leaves in the middle), and late summer (rusty orange on the right).

As we discuss options for monitoring and managing spurge (especially with satellite imagery), these seasonal changes are certainly important factors to consider in any modeling or analysis.
Leafy Spruge Rainbow 1