Scotch broom
Cytisus scoparius
How would I identify it?
General Description: Scotch broom is a perennial, many-branched, shrub ranging in height from 3 to 10 feet tall.
Flower Description: Flowers are typical of those in the pea family. They are bright yellow, about 3/4 inches long and have 5 petals.
Leaf Description: There are few leaves. The upper are simple and the lower are 3 parted. They are deciduous and pointed at both ends. Leaves may fall early in the year, leaving bare green stems.
Stem Description: Stems are woody and dark green. Young branches have 5 green ridges with hairs. When mature, stems become glabrous and ridges disappear. Young stems remain green throughout the year.
Fruit/Seed Description: Seed pods are brown-black, legume-like, flattened and have hairy margins with several seeds per pod.
May be confused with: Spanish broom (Spartium junceum) and French broom (Genista monspessulana), Class A noxious weeds in Washington, and gorse (Ulex europaeus), a Class B noxious weed in Washington, look similar to Scotch broom. Spanish broom has round stems and flowers only at stem tips. French brooms's leaves are all three-parted and flowers are in clusters of 4-10. Gorse has spines on its stems. If you need help with plant identification, please contact your county noxious weed coordinator.
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