Common Name:
Scotch Broom
Scientific Name:
Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link
Family:
Fabaceae


Photo courtesy of the
Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board

Description: Scotch broom is a perennial woody shrub that can grow up to 7 feet tall. Multiple branches grow from the base of the plant. Leaves are 3-part with entire leaflets. Yellow flowers are bilaterally symmetrical and are borne along the branches. The fruit are in hairy pods. Scotch broom was introduced to the West as an ornamental plant.

Control: Perennial plants require depletion of nutrient reserves in the root system, prevention of seed production and prevention of dispersal.