Description:
Spanish broom is a perennial, evergreen shrub that can reach six
to ten feet tall. The erect, bright green stems are rounded (rush-like)
and mainly leafless. The stems branch off at the top, ending with
flowering clusters on leafless racemes. The leaves are simple and
one-parted, (as compared to the three-parted leaves of Scotch broom);
they are alternate, short-lived, and less than one inch long. The
leaf shape is linear to lanceolate. Hairs are present on the lower
surface. The leaves are the same bright green color as the stems.
The flowers are fragrant, bright yellow, and pea-shaped, approximately
one inch long. The flowers grow in clusters at the branch ends,
on stalks that can be 18 inches long. The flowers bloom from July
to frost. The fruits are hairy seed pods, flat and linear, up to
three inches long. Spanish broom spreads by seed. Spartium junceum
is the only species of this genus. Distinguishing characteristics
include the round stems, the simple one-parted leaves, and the fragrant
flowers.
- Mechanical:
Hand pulling is effective for the control of Spanish broom. The
whole root must be removed because the fragments will resprout.
Mowing will encourage resprouting from the root crowns. However,
mowing is effective in controlling Spanish broom if it is followed
by herbicide application.
- Biological:
There are conflicting reports of control of Spanish broom by goat
grazing. Chickens will reduce the seed bank; seeds are digested
and will not germinate. A broom aphid (Aphis cytisorum) and Eriophyes
spartii both feed on Spanish broom (Hoshovsky 1986).
- Herbicide:
It is recommended to apply herbicides when the plant is in full
leaf, with the best results occurring when sprayed in late summer
and early autumn (Matthews 1960 as cited in Hoshovsky 1986). 2,4-D
is an herbicide commonly mentioned in broom control. Broom is
susceptible to picloram (Allo 1960, Elliot 1976, Watt and Tustin
1976, Balneaves 1981 as cited in Hoshovsky 1986).Refer to the
State Noxious Weed Control Board
site
For More Information:
Detailed information about Spanish
Broom is available at the Washington State Noxious Weed Control
Board Web Site. |
