Environmental Weeds in Sydney North

• Noxious Weeds
• Other Significant Environmental Weeds
• Weed Alerts

Weed control

• Hand removal techniques
• Biocontrol

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Scotch Broom

Botanical Name: Cytisus scoparius
Noxious Weed Category:
CLASS 4 in Blue Mountains and Parramatta councils, and most of Sydney North region


Source: Geoff Sainty : Alps Invaders

 

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.
Chemical: Please contact your local control authority for advice on chemical control.

Similar Species:

Suggested Alternatives:
Native Dogwood (Jacksonia scoparia) 3m, Sunshine Wattle (Acacia terminalis) 2m, Golden Bells (Forsythia viridissima) 3m.

References: