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Scotch Broom

Common Names
Scotch broom, Scottish broom, Broomtops, Common broom, European broom, Irish broom, English broom
 
Scientific Name 
Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link 

Description  

  • pea-shaped flowers that are typically yellow (sometimes mixed with red or white) 
  • seed pods are flat with fine hairs and are initially green but change to brown or black in color 
  • grows to an average height of 2-3 meters 
  • stems are ridged, woody, and a color of green to brownish-green 
  • upper leaves are simple and un-stalked; lower leaves are stalked and comprised of 3 oval leaflets 
Habitat 
Although Scotch broom thrives best in full sun on dry, sandy soils, it tolerates a wide range of soils and can grow for most of the year given adequate precipitation and reasonably mild temperatures. Furthermore, it produces long-lasting seeds that can be spread widely in a variety of ways, such as tires from cars, the bottom of shoes, wind, in animals digestive tracts, etc. It grows in open forests, dry meadows, roadsides, grasslands, pastures, cultivated fields, dry scrubland, wastelands, dry riverbeds and other waterways. It does not grow well in forested areas but can invade rapidly after land is logged, burned or cleared.    


 

Invasion History 
Scotch broom is native to the British Isles and central and southern Europe. It is now found in Chile, India, Iran, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa and on the east and west coast of North America. Scotch broom was believed to have been introduced on the west coast as an ornamental in California and moved into British Columbia.  It is now present on the east coast from Nova Scotia, southward to Georgia. 


 
Regional Sightings 
Scotch broom has increased its presence in Nova Scotia over the past decade. It has been identified as a nuisance species in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and a management plan is currently being developed. For more information about Parks Canada's eradication plan, please click here.

Potential Impacts 
Scotch broom is an aggressive, rapidly spreading weed that forms dense, impenetrable stands that run for miles along highways and country roads, crowding out native species. Once established it prevents forest re-establishment and can become a fire hazard. 

The seeds of Scotch broom are considered toxic to livestock if eaten excessively, and the foliage has been known to cause digestive troubles in horses. The toxins are present in very small quantities; however the flowers and seeds are very concentrated. If large enough amounts are consumed, animals could suffer lack of coordination, nervous system depression, respiratory failure and convulsions. There are various reports that goats are more tolerant of the toxins in scotch broom than other domestic livestock.

 
For humans, handling the plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction. In addition, people with "hay-fever" allergies are often especially sensitive to Scotch broom pollen.

Additional websites of interest about Scotch broom

 

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