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Scotch/English Broom
Botanical name: Cytisus scoparius
Noxious Weed Category: Class 4
Source: Sainty & Associates
Description
Also known as English Broom. Originating from Europe, Scotch Broom is a shrub to 4m tall with a stout taproot. Stems have 5 sides.
Sparse tiny grey-green leaves with three leaflets. Older plants may be almost leafless. Large numbers of bright yellow pea-like along the stem mostly late-winter and spring. Black flattened pods with hairy margins producing 15-22 hard, green to yellowish brown seeds per pod. Seeds are believed to live 70 years or more.
Dispersal
Seeds explode from pod, dispersing up to 4m from the plant. Up to 6000 seeds can be produced per plant per year. Seeds can also be spread by water, animals, contaminated soil, and by dumping.
Impact on bushland
Grows rapidly, competing aggressively with native plants. Forms dense stands and dramatically reduces biodiversity.
Control
Manual: Do not mow or slash. Dig out or cut and paint when pods are green. Seedlings will continue to appear for several years.
See Manual Weed Control Techniques.
Chemical: Please contact your local control authority for advice on chemical control.
Suggested alternatives
- Native Dogwood (Jacksonia scoparia) 3m
- Sunshine Wattle (Acacia terminalis) 2m
- Golden Bells (Forsythia viridissima) 3m