Scotch broom is a plant of European origin, probably from Scotland. Linneaus (Carl von Linné) described it botanically as Cytisus scoparius—a member of a very successful temperate genus. The name ‘broom’ is said to derive from the tight bundle of twigs that makes a besom or whisk broom, but this origin is unsure.
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How does Scotch broom harm this ecosystem?
Scotch Broom chokes out native wildflowers and conifer seedlings. It replaces forage and native plant species. This invasive plant obstructs the sight lines of cars at intersections which is extremely dangerous and increases the chance for car crashes. In the Garry Oak Ecosystem there are tons of large predators and prey.
How do you take care of Scotch broom?
How to Grow a Scotch Broom Shrub
- Plant in Full Sunlight. Scotch broom is hardy in U.S. ...
- Well-Draining Soil Is Best. Scotch broom isn't overly picky about soil, though soil should have good drainage. ...
- Pruning and Pests. ...
- Propagation Is by Seed. ...
When to trim a Scotch broom?
Scotch Broom Smackdown!
- Mechanical. Cutting large plants (stem greater than 1/2 inch) is very effective without herbicides in the mid July-Sept.
- Chemical. If possible, spray Scotch broom before and after bloom when it is growing vigorously. ...
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods. ...
- Notes/Tips. ...
- Important Notes: Always read the entire label before using any herbicide. ...
How do you remove Scotch broom?
How do I get rid of Scotch broom naturally? The only way to get rid of Scotch Broom is to remove the entire root system and plant. Look for annual broom removal workdays this spring, remove Scotch Broom before it goes to seed and grow native plants in your backyard for beauty, food and health for humans and our local habitat.
What is Scotch broom called in Scotland?
Cytisus scopariusKnown locally as 'Kotagiri Poovu' (Flower of Kotagiri), busloads of tourists from the plains would pause near particularly infested hillsides to take in their yellowness. Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) is from, yup, Scotland . And England, actually, where it's called err… Broom.
Where is Scotch broom originally from?
northern AfricaNative to northern Africa and parts of Europe, it was first introduced to North America on the east coast and was later introduced to California as an ornamental. From the 1850s through the early 1900s, Scotch broom was frequently planted in gardens. Later, it was used for erosion control along highway cuts and fills.
What does Scotch broom symbolize?
In Europe Scotch Broom was known not only for its medicinal effects, such as regulating the heart and circulatory system, but also for its symbolic qualities. The brilliant yellow pea-like flowers were worn in battle to give courage, and Broom became a heraldic symbol of abundance and strength.
Is it Scotch broom or Scotch broom?
Scotch broom (Cytisis scopariusL.)is a highly invasive perennial shrub. It can be recognized by its bright yellow flowers, clover-like leaves, and shrubby growth habit. This species was introduced to the United States in the 1850s to control soil erosion and as a landscape ornamental.
What is the problem with Scotch broom?
Scotch broom will displace native vegetation and beneficial plants causing loss of grassland and open forest habitat. The seeds and other plant parts are toxic to humans, horses and other livestock.
What is the difference between Scotch broom and French broom?
Scotch broom flowers are similar to those of French broom, but they are larger and deeper yellow. Seed pods are similar, too, except that they have hairs only on their seams, instead of being fuzzy all over.
Is Scotch broom poisonous?
Poisoning can occur with doses greater than 30 grams of Scotch broom. Symptoms of poisoning include dizziness, headache, heartbeat changes, leg weakness, sweating, sleepiness, and widening of the pupils.
Should I plant Scotch broom?
Fall can be a great time to plant shrubs, because the plants are able to get established without the stress of summer heat. Generally, roots grow whenever the soil temperature is above 40º F. Based on this, the general recommendation is to plant by mid to late October.
Can you make brooms with Scotch broom?
There are many human uses for Scotch broom. In addition to its decorative uses, the branches can be used to make brooms, as well as in weaving, thatching, and rope making.
Is broom native to Scotland?
Native to the UK and grown in Scotland. Broom can grow up to 3m in height and is commonly found in woodland and heathland areas as well as along hedgerows. Broom flowers from May to June.
Why is it called a broom tree?
Its bright yellow flowers appear in spring, from April to June, and smell of vanilla. It is quite likely that Broom got its name from the fact that its long, whip-like stems were cut and tied together to make brushes.
Is broom native to Ireland?
The wild broom is a native plant and some very fine brooms were bred in Ireland, such as 'Killiney Red', although the Watson's nursery that bred it is long gone. 'Firefly' and 'Dragonfly', with crimson and yellow flowers, were bred in Newry.
Is Scotch broom native to Washington state?
Yes, Scotch broom has been documented in many parts of Washington.
How did Scotch broom get to Oregon?
Scotch broom was introduced from Europe as a garden ornamental by early settlers of the Pacific Coast. Later it was used to prevent erosion and stabilize banks and sand dunes.
Is Scotch broom invasive in Massachusetts?
Scotch Broom is considered by some to be an invasive plant in the northeast. However, it has not been included as an “invasive plant” under the Massachusetts state list of invasive species.
Is Scotch broom an invasive species?
Scotch broom is an opportunistic and aggressively prolific invasive plant. A single plant can produce well over 20,000 seeds that last in the soil for more than 30 years (some estimates are as long as 80 years).
Where is the Scotch Broom native to?
Spartium scoparium L. Cytisus scoparius ( syn. Sarothamnus scoparius ), the common broom or Scotch broom, is a deciduous leguminous shrub native to western and central Europe. In Britain and Ireland, the standard name is broom, but this name is also used for other members ...
What is the name of the tribe that used to call a broom?
In Britain and Ireland, the standard name is broom, but this name is also used for other members of the Genisteae tribe, such as French broom or Spanish broom; and the term common broom is sometimes used for clarification.
What is the name of the woman made from the flowers of broom, meadowsweet and the oak?
Folklore and myth. In Welsh mythology, Blodeuwedd is the name of a woman made from the flowers of broom, meadowsweet ( Filipendula ulmaria) and the oak by Math fab Mathonwy and Gwydion to be the wife of Lleu Llaw Gyffes. Her story is part of the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi, the tale of Math son of Mathonwy.
What causes brooms to grow?
Low temperature fires, such as a grass fire, will increase seed germination and new sprouts may form on the burned stumps of mature broom. A spring fire followed by drought conditions will reduce seedling survival. Often new plants will grow from roots or seed, requiring repeated treatments.
Why was the shrub burned in Italy?
In Italy, the shrub was burnt to stop witches.
Is broom a diuretic?
Broom contains scoparin, which is a diuretic. The plant also is used as a cathartic and as a cardiac stimulant, which is credited to the presence of sparteine. A decoction or infusion of broom can be used to treat dropsy due to its diuretic action. An ointment can be made from the flowers to treat gout. Oxysparteine, produced from the action of acid on the sparteine, is useful as a cardiac stimulant and has the advantage over digoxin that it does not accumulate in the body.
Is broom an invasive species?
Invasive species. Broom is an invasive species in North America. Cytisus scoparius has been introduced into several other continents outside its native range and is classified as a noxious invasive species in California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and parts of the east coast of North America, as well as Australia, New Zealand and India.
Spotlights
Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. Washington Invasive Species Council.
Selected Resources
The section below contains highly relevant resources for this species, organized by source. Or, to display all related content view all resources for Scotch Broom.
Citations
Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Cytisus scoparius. [Accessed Sep 10, 2014].
What is Scotch Broom?
Scotch broom is a plant. The flower and the parts that grow above the ground are used as medicine.
Why do women use Scotch brooms?
Women use Scotch broom for heavy menstrual periods and for bleeding after childbirth.
Does scotch broom help with lithium?
Scotch broom might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic.". Taking scotch broom might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium.
Is Scotch Broom safe for heart?
Other conditions. More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Scotch broom for these uses. Side Effects. When taken by mouth: Scotch broom is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. It can cause heart and circulation problems.
Does Scotch Broom cause high blood pressure?
Scotch broom contains a chemical called tyramine. Large amounts of tyramine can cause high blood pressure. But the body naturally breaks down tyramine to get rid of it. This usually prevents the tyramine from causing high blood pressure.
Does haloperidol help with scotch broom?
Haloperidol (Haldol) interacts with SCOTCH BROOM. The body breaks down scotch broom to get rid of it. Haloperidol (Haldol) seems to decrease the breakdown of scotch broom. Taking scotch broom along with haloperidol (Haldol) might increase the risk of serious side effects of scotch broom.
Can you take scotch broom with quinidine?
Taking scotch broom along with quinidine might increase the risk of serious side effects of scotch broom. Do not take scotch broom if you are taking quinidine. Scotch broom might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic.". Taking scotch broom might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium.
When was Scotch Broom introduced?
Scotch broom shrub was introduced as a landscape ornamental as early as the 1800’s , then used extensively for erosion control in public landscapes, such as roadside plantings, but quickly became a nuisance. Once established, it is difficult to kill scotch broom.
Why is Scotch Broom a problem?
Reasons to Kill Scotch Broom. Effects of scotch broom shrub include competition with native forest plants. In addition, the scotch broom shrub produces soil conditions which encourage growth of other non-na tive weeds, choking out native foliage. Wildlife find the shrub unpalatable and may be driven from a habitat overtaken by the scotch broom.
What is Scotch Broom Control?
Scotch Broom Control: Getting Rid Of Scotch Broom Shrub From The Yard. Though sometimes attractive in the landscape, the scotch broom shrub ( Cytisus scoparius) is a noxious weed in the northwestern U.S. and responsible for the loss of a good deal of that areas’ timber income due to crowding out native species.
How long do Scotch Broom seeds last?
The hard-coated seeds remain viable for as long as 80 years. Mechanical removal with large tillers and plows often does not work well with controlling scotch broom, and encourages re-growth. Scotch broom shrubs most often overtake areas where soil had been disturbed, as by tilling.
How many pods of scotch broom are there?
When in flower, the entire bush appears to be yellow. After flowering, scotch broom will produce several dozen large pods that contain hard brown seeds.
Is Scotch Boom invasive?
It is an aggressively invasive plant that will grow thickly rather quickly. Scotch boom has tear-shaped leaves that grow in groups of three and mostly bright yellow flowers with occasional purple and red flowers mixed in. The flowers grow in clusters along the length of the stems.
Is a broom plant invasive?
Note: Although broom plants produce attractive, sweet-pea like blooms, they have become highly invasive in many areas. It is important to check with your local extension office before adding the plant or its relatives to your landscape to see if allowable in your area. Printer Friendly Version.
Where did Scotch Broom originate?
Scotch broom was introduced from Europe as a garden ornamental by early settlers of the Pacific Coast. Later it was used to prevent erosion and stabilize banks and sand dunes. The woody shrub establishes quickly in disturbed areas, according to Andy Hulting, a weed specialist for the Oregon State University Extension Service.
How long does Scotch Broom seed last?
Keep an eye out for seedlings each spring and pull them up, roots and all, while they are small. Since Scotch broom seed lasts for years in the soil, vigilance is necessary to prevent reinvasion by new seedlings.
Can you be liable for damage from a scotch broom?
You can be liable for injury or damage from herbicide use. Scientists continue to investigate biological control possibilities for Scotch broom and other noxious weeds. The Oregon Department of Agriculture has released a species of seed weevil whose larvae feed on the developing Scotch broom seedpods.
Is Scotch Broom an invasive species?
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Although admired for its yellow blooms, the Scotch broom shrub has become an invasive species throughout the Pacific Northwest, where it competes with native plants and forms dense stands that are difficult to manage and remove.
How tall is Scotch Broom?
Scotch broom ( Cystisus scoparius) is an attractive shrub that rises to about 10 feet (3 m.) high with an open, airy growth pattern. Despite the beauty of its bright yellow spring flowers, it can easily look disheveled if not pruned correctly.
What Age to Prune a Scotch Broom Plant?
It is also important to begin trimming when the tree is young. Begin your scotch broom pruning before the tree is mature, and prune back its stems annually. This stimulates growth to prevent that scraggly look.
Is a broom plant invasive?
Note: Although broom plants produce attractive, sweet-pea like blooms, they have become highly invasive in many areas. It is important to check with your local extension office before adding the plant or its relatives to your landscape to see if allowable in your area.
Can you cut back a scotch broom?
Once the tree has grown large, it is too late to repair its scraggly look. According to experts, the mature branches do not retain many green buds. If you cut these branches back severely, you are not likely to get a fuller plant; in fact, if you prune a scotch broom shrub in this manner, you may kill it.
What kind of flowers do brooms have?
Many gardeners grow broom plants dearly. There are two varieties of this plant, one gives out red flowers and the other one yellow.
Why is my Broom plant dying?
Improper care is the main reason for the death of any plants in the garden. Many factors influence the health and growth of garden plants.
Why does my shrub die?
When a shrub dies it is most probably caused by a root problem. Root problems may arise due to various reasons.
Can brooms grow in shade?
Yes, broom plants can grow in partial shade. The plant prefers full sun but partial shade won’t harm the plant much.
Overview
Cytisus scoparius (syn. Sarothamnus scoparius), the common broom or Scotch broom, is a deciduous leguminous shrub native to western and central Europe. In Britain and Ireland, the standard name is broom; this name is also used for other members of the Genisteae tribe, such as French broom or Spanish broom; and the term common broom is sometimes used for clarification. In other English-spe…
Classification
The two subspecies of Cytisus scoparius are:
• Cytisus scoparius subsp. scoparius - throughout the species' range
• Cytisus scoparius subsp. maritimus (Rouy) Heywood - Western Europe, on maritime cliffs, differs in prostrate growth, not over 0.4 m tall, and downy young shoots
Cultivation
Cytisus scoparius is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant, with several cultivars selected for variation in flower colour, including "Moonlight" with deep yellow flowers, "Andreanus" and "Firefly" with dark orange-red flowers, and growth habit, including "Pendula" with pendulous branchlets.
Description
Plants of C. scoparius typically grow to 1–3 m (3.3–9.8 ft) tall, rarely to 4 m (13 ft), with main stems up to 5 cm (2.0 in) thick, rarely 10 cm (3.9 in). Stems are ridged and green. The shrubs have green shoots with small deciduous trifoliate leaves 5–15 mm long, and in spring and summer are covered in profuse golden yellow flowers 20–30 mm from top to bottom and 15–20 mm wide. Flowering …
Distribution and habitat
Cytisus scoparius is found in sunny sites, usually on dry, sandy soils at low altitudes, tolerating very acidic soil conditions. In some places outside of its native range, such as India, South America, western North America (particularly Vancouver Island and Washington, Oregon, and California west of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountains ), Australia, and New Zealand (where it is a declared weed) it has become an ecologically destructive colonizing invasive species in gra…
Invasive species
Cytisus scoparius has been introduced into several other continents outside its native range and is classified as a noxious invasive species in California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and parts of the east coast of North America, as well as Australia, New Zealand and India. These shrubs commonly grow in disturbed areas and along utility and transportation rights-of-way. The prolific …
Phytochemicals
One of main alkaloids of this plant is cytisine. The characteristic constituents are biogenic amines (mostly tyramine in the young shoots), flavonoids (spiraeoside and scoparoside), isoflavones and their glycosides (genistin), as well as allelopathic quinolizidine alkaloids (mostly sparteine, lupanine, scoparin and hydroxy-derivatives), which defend the plant against insect infestation and herbivory (with the exception of the resistant Aphis cytisorum).
Medicinal uses
Broom contains scoparin, which is a diuretic. The plant also is used as a cathartic and as a cardiac stimulant, which is credited to the presence of sparteine. A decoction or infusion of broom can be used to treat dropsy due to its diuretic action. An ointment can be made from the flowers to treat gout. Oxysparteine, produced from the action of acid on the sparteine, is useful as a cardiac stimulant and has the advantage over digoxin that it does not accumulate in the body.