![scotch broom scotch broom](https://live.staticflickr.com/4090/4977334007_fe2ab8c4cb_b.jpg)
A spring fire followed by drought conditions will reduce seedling survival. Low temperature fires, such as a grass fire, will increase seed germination and new sprouts may form on the burned stumps of mature broom. In cooler, wetter areas pulling is the preferred method, and hand-operated broom pullers are available. Drought areas respond well to cutting while the seed pods are young and still green. There are several methods, cutting, pulling, burning, herbicide or introducing chickens and goats. From late fall, through winter, to mid spring are preferred times to eradicate mature plants. Care should be taken to avoid disturbing the ground or the seeding plants between late spring and mid fall. The method used to remove broom is dependent on the prolific seed cycle. They include the broom twig miner ( Leucoptera spartifoliella), the broom seed beetle ( Bruchidius villosus), the broom gall mite ( Aceria genistae), the sap-sucking broom psyllid ( Arytainilla spartiophila), the Scotch broom seed weevil ( Exapion fuscirostre) and recently the broom leaf beetle ( Gonioctena olivacea) and the broom shoot moth ( Agonopterix assimilella). īiological control for broom has been investigated since the mid-1980s with a number of species being tested. In New Zealand, broom is estimated to cost the forestry industry NZ$90 million, and to cost farmers NZ$10 million.
![scotch broom scotch broom](https://i0.wp.com/colibrimedicine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/scotch-broom-scaled.jpg)
It is estimated that it is responsible for US$47 million in lost timber production each year in Oregon. The prolific growth of this species after timber harvest inhibits reforestation by competing with seedling trees. These shrubs commonly grow in disturbed areas and along utility and transportation rights-of-way. Invasive species īroom is an invasive species in North America.Ĭytisus scoparius has been introduced into several other continents outside its native range and is classified as a noxious invasive species in California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and parts of the east coast of North America, as well as Australia, New Zealand and India. It is common in Great Britain and Ireland. In some places outside of its native range, such as India, South America, western North America (particularly Vancouver Island and Washington, Oregon, and California west of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountains ), Australia, and New Zealand (where it is a declared weed) it has become an ecologically destructive colonizing invasive species in grassland, shrub and woodland, and other habitats. Īs a legume, this shrub can fix nitrogen in the soil through a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria.Ĭytisus scoparius is found in sunny sites, usually on dry, sandy soils at low altitudes, tolerating very acidic soil conditions. C. scoparius contains toxic alkaloids that depress the heart and nervous system. Especially the seeds, seedlings, and young shoots are sensitive to frost adult plants are hardier, and branches affected by freezing temperatures regenerate quickly. This species is adapted to Mediterranean and coastal climates, and its range is limited by cold winter temperatures. In late summer, its legumes ( seed pods) mature black, 2–3 cm long, 8 mm broad and 2–3 mm thick they burst open, often with an audible crack, forcibly throwing seed from the parent plant. The seed pods have long hairs only along their seams. Flowering occurs after 50–80 growing degree days. The shrubs have green shoots with small deciduous trifoliate leaves 5–15 mm long, and in spring and summer are covered in profuse golden yellow flowers 20–30 mm from top to bottom and 15–20 mm wide. scoparius typically grow to 1–3 m (3.3–9.8 ft) tall, rarely to 4 m (13 ft), with main stems up to 5 cm (2.0 in) thick, rarely 10 cm (3.9 in). scoparius from Köhler's Medicinal Plants (1887)