Tree Killers: Scotch Broom
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Name
- Common English name: Scotch Broom
- Other names: common broom
- Latin (scientific) name: Cytisus scoparius
History in Canada
- introduced from Europe in the mid 1800’s as an ornamental shrub and still available from some nurseries
- occurs in British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia
Biology
- a small- to medium-sized shrub (three metres or 10 ft tall) that belongs to the Pea family
- like many other species in the Pea family, it has nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its roots enabling the plant to grow vigorously in poor soil
- has bright green stems that allow the plant to photosynthesize early and late in the season
- produces masses of bright yellow flowers in early summer
- large quantities of long-lived seeds (up to 80 years) are produced each year
- mature seedpods often snap open, propelling the seeds several metres from the plant
- the large seeds float and readily spread down waterways
- stumps can re-sprout if cut
- prefers open areas with well-drained soil and lots of light
Impact on Trees
- may grow in dense stands in open woodland, forest openings, or clearcuts that suppress native tree seedlings due to shade
What can be done to control this tree killer?
- cutting stems followed by removal of all roots
- herbicide application to the entire shrub
- several years of control may be needed since the long-lived seeds are unaffected by the above methods and seedlings can recolonize an area
- biological control is being studied
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