Wild broom is here defined as all Cytisus scoparius, except cultivated varieties.
Dense, multi-stemmed perennial shrub < 2 m tall. Stems are five-angled, photosynthetic and green when young, turning woody with age. Leaves are small, < 15 mm long, hairy, trifoliate and deciduous. Flowers are yellow, pea-like, < 25 mm and produced in spring – summer. Seed pods are hairy and green, maturing to black.
To help protect our environment:
Lowland and montane areas, shrubland, grassland, steep slopes, open forest, riparian areas, riverbeds, wasteland, disturbed habitat, pasture, plantations.
Seeds dispersed by explosive dehiscence and contaminated soil on livestock. Human-mediated dispersal through movement of contaminated soil on vehicles and machinery.
Forms dense stands and competes with native vegetation. Reduces pasture and plantation productivity. Nitrogen fixer.
Do not attempt to undertake control of this species. Please report to Auckland Council.
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
Montpellier broom has smaller flowers, with a cluster of 4-7 flowers out of one point on the stem. It also appears to have more leaves than common broom and its branchlets are covered in soft fine hairs unlike common broom which is glabrous.
Spiny broom has large spines scattered across the branches.
