Latin Name: Cytisus scoparius

 Origin:  Europe.

Physical Description: Shrub with erect ribbed stems that extend up to 3m tall. It has yellow pea-like flowers. New stems are green and hairy and become woody as they mature.  Leaves at the base of the branches have 3 leaflets that are alternately arranged.

Habitat: Prefer mesic to dry areas and can be found in grasslands, shrub lands, woodlands, riparian corridors, roadsides, pastures, burned areas and cleared forests.

Impacts:  Forms dense stands that is unpalatable to wildlife and impedes movement. The accumulation of wood biomass poses a fire risk. Flowers can be toxic to humans, wildlife and live stock when consumed.

Reproduction:  Seed only. Seeds (5 to 9) are ejected from mature seed pods. Seeds can remain viable in the soil for up to 30 years.

Mechanical: Seedlings and shrubs can be hand pulled or dug out. It’s important to remove all of the root to prevent re-sprouting from occurring. Cutting mature plants before seed production can reduce seed production and deplete the plants energy reserves.

Chemical: Several herbicides with the following active ingredients can control Scotch broom: picloram, triclopyr, aminopyralid+ triclopyr, trycolpyr +2,4-D, glyphosate and triclopyr. For available products, contact your local agri-supply store. Prior to any herbicide application, read and follow the label instructions

Biological: Not available.

Resources: 

Best Management Practices for Scotch Broom in the Metro Vancouver Region. 2019.