Keep in mind when working with Scotch broom and other invasive species that it is important to control seedlings and young plants before they produce seeds if possible. Do not move soil, gravel or other materials with Scotch broom seeds to new locations.īecause of Scotch broom's high rate of seed production and the longevity of its seedbank, a long-term integrated pest management plan that includes monitoring will be needed for invaded sites. Areas that experience disturbance, such as from cutting trees or clearing brush, create disturbed conditions that Scotch broom loves to invade given a chance. Monitor areas that may be vulnerable to invasion and control any seedlings and young plants. Taking steps to prevent Scotch broom invasions is an important part of a management plan. Scotch broom also impacts the timber industry, as it rapidly colonizes newly cleared timberland and aggressively competes with tree seedlings. Scotch broom can change the soil chemistry, making it less suitable for native plants even years after it is removed. Its seeds can sprout for years after removal and cut stumps can regrow. The woody biomass increases the risk and intensity of fires. Although seldom grazed, Scotch broom is toxic, especially to horses. It is particularly problematic in our native grassland and open forest habitats. ![]() Scotch broom forms aggressive stands that shade out native plants and reduce forage for livestock and deer. They are more common in open areas, but plants can also survive in low light conditions, such as in a forest understory. ![]() Including cleared forestland, burned areas and roadsides. prairies and grasslands, oak woodlands, coastal areas and disturbed sites. it can also be found growing and spreading east of the mountains. Though Scotch broom is infamous west of the Cascade Mountains for lining the highways with bright yellow flowers in the spring. This large seedbank of long-lived seeds makes Scotch broom a difficult species to control once it is established. They have a hard coat and can be viable for many years in the soil, with estimates ranging from five to 30 years or even longer under ideal conditions. Seeds can germinate over a prolonged period and in a broad temperature range. Scotch broom reproduces by seed with mature plants able to produce more wrapping in alternate directions and catapulting the seeds a short distance. The pods contain three to 12 seeds and, when ripe, the pod's two halves audibly split apart. Flowers develop seedpods that are up to two inches long, brown-to-black color when mature and have hairy margins. They occur singly or in pairs in leaf mills and are around one inch in size. Flowers are pea-like and yellow, sometimes having red coloring, and bloom in the spring. Plants begin to flower when they are three years old, but younger plants may flower under the right light and moisture conditions. Leaves are deciduous and may drop early in the summer if the plant is under stress. ![]() Flowers develop seedpods that are up to two inches long, brown-to-black divided into three leaflets. ![]() Leaves toward stem tips are simple and undivided, while lower leaves can be summer if the plant is under stress. Older stems turn a tan-brown color and become woody and smooth. Young stems are dark green with ridges, five-angled or star-shaped in cross-section, with upright growth that can resemble a broom. Mature plants range in size from three to 10 feet in height. This invasive plant is a nitrogen-fixing shrub in the legume family ( Fabaceae) that is native to much of Europe and the Canary Islands. Originally introduced as an ornamental plant, Scotch broom, Cytisus scoparius, is now widespread in western Washington and Oregon and is a noxious weed in both states along with Idaho and Montana. By Wendy Descamp, Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board
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