Island County > Public Health > Natural Resources > Noxious Weed Control Board > Terrible 10 - Scotch Broom

Terrible 10 - Scotch Broom

Found on roadsides, open pastures and dikes and dunes, hillsides.
Shrubby, woody plant from 3-10 ft, loosely branching, with ribbed stems bearing small leaves (usually less than 1 in. long). Bright yellow pea-like flowers appear in spring and early summer; pea-like seed pods turn black and pop open when ripe. Has no thorns, unlike gorse (which is similar). Spanish broom differs in having smooth stems and fragrant flowers.
Introduced to stabilize road berms and other construction sites, prolific seed production and longevity (up to 50 years) resulted in spread.
Displaces native plant species forming dense thickets that interfere with establishment of trees and desirable forage plants and are prone to brush fires. Prevents re-vegetation of upland and wetland sites impacting watershed. Seeds are toxic to humans and animals.

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