SCOTCH BROOM

Cytisus scoparius subsp. scoparius

REPORT THIS WEED (02) 6623 3800

ERADICATE THIS WEED

Description Upright shrub, typically 1–2 m tall, can grow up to 4 m tall. Has five pronounced ridges on stems.

Leaves Shortly stalked, softly hairy with 3 leaflets per leaf. The middle leaflet is up to 2 cm long, and other leaves are somewhat shorter.

Flowers Yellow, pea-like, 2–2.5 cm long, occur singly or in pairs.

Fruit Brown to black pea-like pods with hairs along margins. Each pod is up to 7 cm long and 1.3 cm wide and contain 5–22 seeds. Pods burst open in hot weather.

Seeds Smooth, yellowish-brown to olive green, oval, up to 4 mm long, slightly flattened.

Dispersal Seed dispersed by waterways, contaminated soil, or on machinery, footwear, livestock or wildlife. Plants can shoot their seeds some metres away.

Confused with Weed species Flax-leaf broom (Genista linifolia) and Madeira broom (G. stenopetala). Native species Dogwood (Jacksonia scoparia).

Control Contact your local Rous County Council Weed Biosecurity Officer for control advice and disposal. Foliar spray or cut stump with herbicide.

THE WHOLE PLANT CONTAINS QUINOLIZIDINE ALKALOIDS, TOXIC TO HUMANS CAUSING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND NAUSEA IF INGESTED. MILDLY TOXIC TO HORSES.