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{{Short description|Ornamental, invasive broom shrub}}
{{Short description|Ornamental broom shrub}}
{{Speciesbox
{{Speciesbox
| image = Cytisus scoparius by Danny S. - 001.JPG
| image = Cytisus scoparius by Danny S. - 001.JPG
| image_caption = Common broom
| genus = Cytisus
| species = scoparius
| genus = Cytisus
| species = scoparius
| authority = ([[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]) [[Johann Heinrich Friedrich Link|Link]]
| authority = ([[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]) [[Johann Heinrich Friedrich Link|Link]]
| synonyms =
{{Collapsible list |
| synonyms = {{Collapsible list |
{{Plainlist | style = margin-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em; |
{{Plainlist | style = margin-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em; |
*''Sarothamnus bourgaei'' <small>Boiss.</small>
*''Sarothamnus bourgaei'' <small>Boiss.</small>
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}}
}}
}}
}}
| synonyms_ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/ild-8778|title=The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species|website=Theplantlist.org|access-date=April 3, 2014}}</ref>
| synonyms_ref = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/ild-8778|title=The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species|website=Theplantlist.org|access-date=April 3, 2014}}</ref>
}}
}}


'''''Cytisus scoparius''''' ([[synonymy|syn.]] ''Sarothamnus scoparius''), the '''common broom''' or '''Scotch broom''', is a [[perennial]] [[leguminous]] [[shrub]] native to [[Western Europe|western]] and [[central Europe]].<ref name="flora">{{cite web|url=http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/cgi-bin/nph-readbtree.pl/feout?FAMILY_XREF=&GENUS_XREF=Cytisus+&SPECIES_XREF=scoparius&TAXON_NAME_XREF=&RANK=|title=Flora Europaea Search Results|website=Rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk|access-date=15 August 2018}}</ref> In Britain and Ireland, the [[Common name|standard name]] is '''broom''',<ref name="blamey"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bsbi.org.uk/BSBI2003.zip|title=Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (zip file)|website=Bsbi.org.uk|access-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070203043721/http://bsbi.org.uk/BSBI2003.zip|archive-date=3 February 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="vedel"/> but this name is also used for other members of the [[Genisteae]] tribe, such as [[Genista monspessulana|French broom]] or [[Spartium|Spanish broom]], and the term ''common broom'' is sometimes used for clarification.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lenymede.demon.co.uk/nature/flowers.html|title=Wild Flowers of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Scotland|website=Lenymede.demon.co.uk|access-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061014025009/http://www.lenymede.demon.co.uk/nature/flowers.html|archive-date=14 October 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gardenworld.co.uk/broom2.asp |title=Archived copy |access-date=2006-12-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061006083627/http://www.gardenworld.co.uk/broom2.asp |archive-date=2006-10-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In other English-speaking countries, the most common name is ''Scotch broom'' (or '''Scot's broom''');<ref name="NPSscotchbroom">{{Cite web |url=http://www.nps.gov/archive/redw/scotchbr.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=2006-11-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061205235823/http://www.nps.gov/archive/redw/scotchbr.htm |archive-date=2006-12-05 |url-status=dead }}</ref> however, it is known as '''English broom''' in Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/weeds/a-z-of-weeds/english-broom|title=English broom|website=Agriculture.vic.gov.au|access-date=15 August 2018}}</ref>
'''''Cytisus scoparius''''' ([[synonym (taxonomy)|syn.]] ''Sarothamnus scoparius''), the '''common broom''' or '''Scotch broom''', is a [[deciduous]] [[leguminous]] [[shrub]] native to [[Western Europe|western]] and [[central Europe]].<ref name="flora">{{cite web|url=http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/cgi-bin/nph-readbtree.pl/feout?FAMILY_XREF=&GENUS_XREF=Cytisus+&SPECIES_XREF=scoparius&TAXON_NAME_XREF=&RANK=|title=Flora Europaea Search Results|website=Rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk|access-date=15 August 2018}}</ref> In Great Britain and Ireland, the [[Common name|standard name]] is '''broom''';<ref name="blamey"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bsbi.org.uk/BSBI2003.zip|title=Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (zip file)|website=Bsbi.org.uk|access-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070203043721/http://bsbi.org.uk/BSBI2003.zip|archive-date=3 February 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="vedel">{{cite book |author1=H. Vedel |title=Trees and Bushes |author2=J. Lange |publisher=Metheun |year=1960 |location=London}}</ref> this name is also used for other members of the [[Genisteae]] tribe, such as [[Genista monspessulana|French broom]] or [[Spartium|Spanish broom]]; and the term ''common broom'' is sometimes used for clarification.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lenymede.demon.co.uk/nature/flowers.html|title=Wild Flowers of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Scotland|website=Lenymede.demon.co.uk|access-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061014025009/http://www.lenymede.demon.co.uk/nature/flowers.html|archive-date=14 October 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gardenworld.co.uk/broom2.asp |title=GardenWorld |access-date=2006-12-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061006083627/http://www.gardenworld.co.uk/broom2.asp |archive-date=2006-10-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In other English-speaking countries, the most common name is "Scotch broom" (or '''Scots broom''');<ref name="NPSscotchbroom">{{Cite web |url=http://www.nps.gov/archive/redw/scotchbr.htm |title=What is Scotch Broom? |access-date=2006-11-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061205235823/http://www.nps.gov/archive/redw/scotchbr.htm |archive-date=2006-12-05 |url-status=dead }}</ref> however, it is known as '''English broom''' in Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/weeds/a-z-of-weeds/english-broom|title=English broom|website=Agriculture.vic.gov.au|access-date=15 August 2018|archive-date=16 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816025618/http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/weeds/a-z-of-weeds/english-broom|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Though this plant is native to Europe, it has spread to many other parts of the world. '''Scotch broom''' is now common in certain areas of North America and South America. This is because people started introducing '''Scotch broom''' to different areas of the world.
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==Classification==
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The two [[subspecies]] of ''Cytisus scoparius'' are:<ref name="flora"/><ref name="blamey"/>
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* ''Cytisus scoparius'' subsp. ''scoparius'' - throughout the species' range
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* ''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


After it was introduced in North America, '''Scotch broom''' was frequently planted in gardens. Later, it was used for erosion control along highway cuts and fills.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exotic Species: Scotch Broom (U.S. National Park Service) |url=https://www.nps.gov/articles/scotch-broom.htm |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=www.nps.gov |language=en}}</ref>
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==Description==

There are other problems with '''Scotch broom''' as well. It is slightly toxic and unpalatable to livestock.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exotic Species: Scotch Broom (U.S. National Park Service) |url=https://www.nps.gov/articles/scotch-broom.htm |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=www.nps.gov |language=en}}</ref> It also has seeds that are viable for up to ten years, making them able to grow even after years of extermination.

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== Description ==
[[File:Cytisus scoparius - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-200.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Illustration of ''C. scoparius'' from ''[[Köhler's Medicinal Plants]]'' (1887)]]
[[File:Cytisus scoparius - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-200.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Illustration of ''C. scoparius'' from ''[[Köhler's Medicinal Plants]]'' (1887)]]
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Plants of ''C. scoparius'' typically grow to {{convert|1|–|3|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall, rarely to {{convert|4|m|ft|abbr=on}}, with main stems up to {{convert|5|cm|in|abbr=on}} thick, rarely {{convert|10|cm|in|abbr=on}}. Stems are ridged and green.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Exotic Species: Scotch Broom (U.S. National Park Service)|url=https://www.nps.gov/articles/scotch-broom.htm|access-date=2021-04-02|website=www.nps.gov|language=en}}</ref> The shrubs have green shoots with small deciduous trifoliate [[leaf|leaves]] 5–15&nbsp;mm long, and in spring and summer are covered in profuse golden yellow [[flower]]s 20–30&nbsp;mm from top to bottom and 15–20&nbsp;mm wide. Flowering occurs after 50–80 [[growing degree day]]s. The seed pods have long hairs only along their seams.<ref name=":0" /> In late summer, its [[legume]]s ([[seed pods]]) mature black, 2–3&nbsp;cm long, 8&nbsp;mm broad and 2–3&nbsp;mm thick; they burst open, often with an audible crack, forcibly throwing seed from the parent plant. This species is adapted to [[Mediterranean]] and coastal climates, and its range is limited by cold winter temperatures. Especially the seeds, seedlings, and young shoots are sensitive to frost, but adult plants are hardier, and branches affected by freezing temperatures regenerate quickly.<ref name="blamey"/><ref name="vedel">{{cite book|author1=H. Vedel |author2=J. Lange |year=1960 |title=Trees and Bushes |publisher=Metheun |location=London}}</ref><ref name="bean">{{cite book |author=W. J. Bean |year=1970 |title=Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles |publisher=John Murray |location=London |isbn=0-7195-1790-7}}</ref> ''C.&nbsp;scoparius'' contains toxic alkaloids that depress the heart and nervous system.<ref name="plants of the Pacific Northwest coast">{{cite book |author1=Jim Pojar |author2=A. MacKinnon |author3=Paul B. Alaback |year=1994 |title=Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska |location=Redmond, WA |publisher=Lone Pine}}</ref>


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Plants of ''C. scoparius'' typically grow to {{convert|1–3|m|ft|abbr=off|frac=2}} tall, rarely to {{convert|4|m|ft|abbr=on}}, with main stems up to {{convert|5|cm|abbr=off|frac=2}} thick, rarely {{convert|10|cm|abbr=on|frac=2}}. Stems are ridged and green.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Exotic Species: Scotch Broom (U.S. National Park Service) |url=https://www.nps.gov/articles/scotch-broom.htm |access-date=2021-04-02 |website=www.nps.gov |language=en}}</ref> The shrubs have green shoots with small deciduous trifoliate [[leaf|leaves]] {{Convert|5–15|mm|abbr=out|frac=8}} long, and in spring and summer are covered in profuse golden yellow [[flower]]s {{Convert|20–30|mm|abbr=on|frac=8}} from top to bottom and 15–20&nbsp;mm wide. Flowering occurs after 50–80 [[growing degree-day]]s. The seed pods have long hairs only along their seams.<ref name=":0" /> In late summer, its [[legume]]s ([[seed pod]]s) mature black, {{Convert|2–3|cm|abbr=on|frac=4}} long, {{Convert|8|mm|abbr=on|frac=8}} broad and 2–3&nbsp;mm thick; they burst open, often with an audible crack, forcibly throwing seed from the parent plant. This species is adapted to [[Mediterranean]] and coastal climates, and its range is limited by cold winter temperatures. It also adapts to windy [[oceanic climate|oceanic climates]]. The seeds, seedlings, and young shoots are sensitive to frost; adult plants are hardier, and branches affected by freezing temperatures regenerate quickly.<ref name="blamey" /><ref name="vedel" /><ref name="bean">{{cite book |author=W. J. Bean |title=Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles |publisher=John Murray |year=1970 |isbn=0-7195-1790-7 |location=London}}</ref> ''C.&nbsp;scoparius'' contains toxic alkaloids that depress the heart and nervous system.<ref name="plants of the Pacific Northwest coast">{{cite book |author1=Jim Pojar |title=Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska |author2=A. MacKinnon |author3=Paul B. Alaback |publisher=Lone Pine |year=1994 |location=Redmond, WA}}</ref>
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As a [[legume]], this shrub can [[Nitrogen fixation|fix nitrogen]] in the soil through a [[symbiosis|symbiotic]] relationship with ''[[Rhizobium]]'' bacteria.

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A [[legume]], this shrub can [[Nitrogen fixation|fix nitrogen]] in the soil through a [[symbiosis|symbiotic]] relationship with ''[[Rhizobium]]'' bacteria.

=== Phytochemicals ===
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One of the main [[alkaloid]]s of this plant is [[cytisine]]. The characteristic constituents are [[biogenic]] [[amine]]s (mostly [[tyramine]] in the young shoots), [[flavonoid]]s ([[spiraeoside]] and scoparoside), [[isoflavone]]s and their [[glycoside]]s ([[genistin]]), as well as [[allelopathic]] [[quinolizidine alkaloid]]s (mostly [[sparteine]], lupanine, scoparin and hydroxy-derivatives), which defend the plant against insect infestation and [[herbivore]]s (with the exception of the resistant [[aphid]] species ''Aphis cytisorum'').<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Isamu Murakoshi |author2=Yoshiaki Yamashita |author3=Shigeru Ohmiya |author4=Hirotaka Otomasu |year=1986 |title=(−)-3β-13α-dihydroxylupanine from ''Cytisus scoparius'' |journal=[[Phytochemistry (journal)|Phytochemistry]] |volume=25 |issue=2 |pages=521–524 |doi=10.1016/S0031-9422(00)85514-4|bibcode=1986PChem..25..521M }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author1=Michael Wink |author2=Thomas Hartmann |author3=Ludger Witte |author4=Joachim Rheinheimer |year=1982 |title=Interrelationship between quinolizidine alkaloid producing legumes and infesting insects: exploitation of the alkaloid-containing phloem sap of ''Cytisus scoparius'' by the broom aphid ''Aphis cytisorum'' |url=http://www.uni-heidelberg.de/institute/fak14/ipmb/phazb/pdf-files/1982%20Pdf.Pubwink/6.%201982.pdf |journal=[[Zeitschrift für Naturforschung]] |volume=37 |issue=11–12 |pages=1081–1086 |doi=10.1515/znc-1982-11-1206 |s2cid=6640269}}</ref>

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== Classification ==
⚫
The two [[subspecies]] of ''Cytisus scoparius'' are:<ref name="flora"/><ref name="blamey"/>
⚫
* ''Cytisus scoparius'' subsp. ''scoparius'' - throughout the species' range.
⚫
* ''Cytisus scoparius'' subsp. ''maritimus'' (Rouy) Heywood - [[Western Europe]]an maritime cliffs and associated environments; differs with prostrate growth; not over 0.4 m tall; downy young shoots.


==Distribution and habitat==
==Distribution and habitat==
''Cytisus scoparius'' is native to [[Western Europe|western]] and [[central Europe]],<ref name="flora" /> being common in [[Great Britain]] and [[Republic of Ireland]].<ref>Clapham, A.R., Tutin, T.G. and Warburg, E.F. 1968. ''Excursion Flora of the British Isles''. Cambridge Press. {{ISBN|0-521-04656-4}}</ref><ref>Parnell, J. and Curtis, T. 2012. ''Webb's An Irish Flora''. Cork University Press. {{ISBN|978-185918-4783}}</ref> It is found in sunny sites, usually on dry, sandy soils at low altitudes, tolerating very acidic soil conditions.<ref name="blamey">{{cite book |author1=M. Blamey |author2=C. Grey-Wilson |year=1989 |title=Flora of Britain and Northern Europe |publisher=Hodder & Stoughton |isbn=0-340-40170-2}}</ref>
''Cytisus scoparius'' is found in sunny sites, usually on dry, sandy soils at low altitudes, tolerating very acidic soil conditions.<ref name="blamey">{{cite book |author1=M. Blamey |author2=C. Grey-Wilson |year=1989 |title=Flora of Britain and Northern Europe |publisher=Hodder & Stoughton |isbn=0-340-40170-2}}</ref> 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<ref name="feis">{{cite web|url=https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/cytspp/all.html|title=Cytisus scoparius, C. striatus|website=www.feis-crs.org|access-date=18 August 2019}}</ref>), Australia, and New Zealand (where it is a declared weed)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/invasive-species/weeds/weeds-index/declared-weeds-index/broom|title=Broom|website=Dpipwe.tas.gov.au|access-date=15 August 2018}}</ref> it has become an ecologically destructive [[Colonisation (biology)|colonizing]] [[invasive species]] in [[grassland]], [[California chaparral and woodlands|shrub and woodland]], and other [[habitat]]s.<ref name="usda">{{cite web |url=https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/profile/scotch-broom |title=Species Profile – Scotch Broom (''Cytisus scoparius'' (L.)) |publisher=National Invasive Species Information Center, [[United States National Agricultural Library]] |access-date=October 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726141225/http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/scotchbroom.shtml |archive-date=July 26, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author1=Ashfaq Ahmed Zarri |author2=Asad R. Rahmani |author3=Mark J. Behan |year=2006 |title=Habitat modifications by Scotch broom ''Cytisus scoparius'' invasion of grasslands of the Upper Nilgiris in India |journal=[[Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society]] |volume=103 |issue=2–3 |pages=356–365}}</ref> It is common in [[Great Britain]] and [[Ireland]].<ref>Clapham, A.R., Tutin, T.G. and Warburg, E.F. 1968. ''Excursion Flora of the British Isles''. Cambridge Press. {{ISBN|0-521-04656-4}}</ref><ref>Parnell, J. and Curtis, T. 2012. ''Webb's An Irish Flora''. Cork University Press. {{ISBN|978-185918-4783}}</ref>

Outside of its native range, it is an ecologically destructive [[Colonisation (biology)|colonizing]] [[invasive species]] in [[grassland]], [[California chaparral and woodlands|shrub and woodland]], and other [[habitat]]s.<ref name="usda">{{cite web |title=Species Profile – Scotch Broom (''Cytisus scoparius'' (L.)) |url=https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/profile/scotch-broom |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726141225/http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/scotchbroom.shtml |archive-date=July 26, 2013 |access-date=October 9, 2013 |publisher=National Invasive Species Information Center, [[United States National Agricultural Library]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author1=Ashfaq Ahmed Zarri |author2=Asad R. Rahmani |author3=Mark J. Behan |year=2006 |title=Habitat modifications by Scotch broom ''Cytisus scoparius'' invasion of grasslands of the Upper Nilgiris in India |journal=[[Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society]] |volume=103 |issue=2–3 |pages=356–365}}</ref>


==Cultivation==
==Ecology==
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''Cytisus scoparius'' is widely cultivated as an [[ornamental plant]], with several [[cultivar]]s 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.<ref name="bean"/>


==Invasive species==
=== As an invasive species ===
[[File:Cytisus scoparius USGS.jpg|thumb|right|Broom is an invasive species in North America.]]
[[File:Cytisus scoparius USGS.jpg|thumb|right|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 (state)|Washington]], [[British Columbia]] and parts of the east coast of [[North America]],<ref name="usda"/> as well as [[Australia]],<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Andrew W. Sheppard |author2=Peter Hodge |author3=Quentin Paynter |author4=Mark Rees |year=2002 |title=Factors affecting invasion and persistence of broom ''Cytisus scoparius'' in Australia |journal=[[Journal of Applied Ecology]] |volume=39 |issue=5 |pages=721–734 |jstor=827200 |doi=10.1046/j.1365-2664.2002.00750.x}}</ref> [[New Zealand]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Broom – outside Howard – St Arnaud|url=http://www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz/broom|work=Pest Management|publisher=Nelson City Council|access-date=8 February 2012}}</ref> and [[India]].<ref>{{cite journal |author1=K. J. B. Potter |author2=D. J. Kriticos |author3=M. S. Wait |author4=A. Leriche |year=2009 |title=The current and future potential distribution of ''Cytisus scoparius'': a weed of pastoral systems, natural ecosystems and plantation forestry |journal=Weed Research |volume=49 |issue=3 |pages=271–282 |doi=10.1111/j.1365-3180.2009.00697.x}}</ref> These shrubs commonly grow in disturbed areas and along utility and transportation [[right-of-way (transportation)|rights-of-way]]. The prolific growth of this species after timber harvest inhibits reforestation by competing with seedling trees.<ref>{{Cite web| title = Invasive Plant Species Management Plan: Appendix 7| work = McDonald-Dunn Forest Plan| publisher = Oregon State University, College of Forestry| url = http://deansoffice.forestry.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/fec-files/FEC11-7-06%20Appendix%207.pdf| page = 10| access-date = 2006-12-20| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140504001359/http://deansoffice.forestry.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/fec-files/FEC11-7-06%20Appendix%207.pdf| archive-date = 2014-05-04| url-status = dead}}</ref> It is estimated that it is responsible for US$47 million in lost timber production each year in [[Oregon]].<ref>{{Cite web | title = Scotch broom | work = ODA Plant Division, Noxious Weed Control | url = http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/WEEDS/profile_scotchbroom.shtml | access-date = 2006-09-03 }}</ref> In New Zealand, broom is estimated to cost the forestry industry NZ$90 million, and to cost farmers NZ$10 million.<ref>{{Cite web | last = Press release | title = New bio-controls for pest plant | publisher = [[Landcare Research]] | date = 2008-02-12 | url = http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/news/release.asp?Ne_ID=263 | access-date = 2008-03-02 }}</ref>
''Cytisus scoparius'' has been introduced into several other countries and continents, outside of its native range, and is commonly classified as a [[noxious weed|noxious]] [[invasive species]] in western [[North America]], mainly in [[British Columbia]] (including on [[Vancouver Island]]), [[California]], [[Oregon]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]] (west of the [[Cascade Range|Cascades]]), the [[Sierra Nevada]] range,<ref name="feis">{{cite web |title=Cytisus scoparius, C. striatus |url=https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/cytspp/all.html |access-date=18 August 2019 |website=www.feis-crs.org}}</ref> fragmented areas of North America's [[east Coast of the United States|eastern seaboard]],<ref name="usda" /> as well as [[Australia]] (where it is a declared weed),<ref>{{cite web |title=Broom |url=http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/invasive-species/weeds/weeds-index/declared-weeds-index/broom |access-date=15 August 2018 |website=Dpipwe.tas.gov.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author1=Andrew W. Sheppard |author2=Peter Hodge |author3=Quentin Paynter |author4=Mark Rees |year=2002 |title=Factors affecting invasion and persistence of broom ''Cytisus scoparius'' in Australia |journal=[[Journal of Applied Ecology]] |volume=39 |issue=5 |pages=721–734 |jstor=827200 |doi=10.1046/j.1365-2664.2002.00750.x|doi-access=free |bibcode=2002JApEc..39..721S }}</ref> [[New Zealand]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Broom – outside Howard – St Arnaud|url=http://www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz/broom|work=Pest Management|publisher=Nelson City Council|access-date=8 February 2012}}</ref> and in [[India]].<ref>{{cite journal |author1=K. J. B. Potter |author2=D. J. Kriticos |author3=M. S. Wait |author4=A. Leriche |year=2009 |title=The current and future potential distribution of ''Cytisus scoparius'': a weed of pastoral systems, natural ecosystems and plantation forestry |journal=Weed Research |volume=49 |issue=3 |pages=271–282 |doi=10.1111/j.1365-3180.2009.00697.x|bibcode=2009WeedR..49..271P }}</ref> These shrubs are sometimes utilized for civic and public landscaping projects in the American west due to their hardiness, and will seasonally reseed themselves, growing in disturbed areas, and along utility and transportation [[right-of-way (transportation)|rights-of-way]]. The prolific growth of the plants after timber harvest or wildfire events clearly inhibits reforestation efforts, the sprouts competing with native plant seedlings and trees.<ref>{{Cite web| title = Invasive Plant Species Management Plan: Appendix 7| work = McDonald-Dunn Forest Plan| publisher = Oregon State University, College of Forestry| url = http://deansoffice.forestry.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/fec-files/FEC11-7-06%20Appendix%207.pdf| page = 10| access-date = 2006-12-20| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140504001359/http://deansoffice.forestry.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/fec-files/FEC11-7-06%20Appendix%207.pdf| archive-date = 2014-05-04| url-status = dead}}</ref> It is estimated that broom is responsible for US$47 million in lost timber production each year in the state of Oregon.<ref>{{Cite web | title = Scotch broom | work = ODA Plant Division, Noxious Weed Control | url = http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/WEEDS/profile_scotchbroom.shtml | access-date = 2006-09-03 }}</ref> In New Zealand, broom is estimated to cost the forestry industry NZ$90 million, and to cost farmers an additional NZ$10 million in losses.<ref>{{Cite web | last = Press release | title = New bio-controls for pest plant | publisher = [[Landcare Research]] | date = 2008-02-12 | url = http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/news/release.asp?Ne_ID=263 | access-date = 2008-03-02 | archive-date = 2008-03-06 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080306033043/http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/news/release.asp?Ne_ID=263 | url-status = dead }}</ref>


[[biological pest control|Biological control]] for broom has been investigated since the mid-1980s with a number of species being tested. They include the broom twig miner (''[[Leucoptera spartifoliella]]''), the broom seed beetle (''[[Bruchidius villosus]]''), the broom gall mite (''[[Aceria genistae]]''), the sap-sucking broom psyllid (''[[Arytainilla spartiophila]]''), the Scotch broom seed weevil (''[[Exapion fuscirostre]]'') and recently the broom leaf beetle (''[[Gonioctena olivacea]]'') and the broom shoot moth (''[[Agonopterix assimilella]]'').<ref>{{Cite web | title = What's New In Biological Control of Weeds? | publisher = [[Landcare Research]] |date=November 2006 | url = http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/publications/newsletters/weeds/wtsnew38.pdf | access-date = 2008-03-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.csiro-europe.org/cytisus.html|title=CSIRO: Biological control|website=Landcareresearch.co.nz|access-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080229040435/http://www.csiro-europe.org/cytisus.html|archive-date=29 February 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[biological pest control|Biological control]] for broom has been investigated since the mid-1980s, with a number of insect species being tested. Some of the tested invertebrates include the broom twig miner (''[[Leucoptera spartifoliella]]''), broom seed beetles (''[[Bruchidius villosus]]''), broom gall mites (''[[Aceria genistae]]''), sap-sucking broom psyllids (''[[Arytainilla spartiophila]]''), the Scotch broom seed weevil (''[[Exapion fuscirostre]]'') and recently, the broom leaf beetle (''[[Gonioctena olivacea]]'') and broom shoot moths (''[[Agonopterix assimilella]]'').<ref>{{Cite web | title = What's New In Biological Control of Weeds? | publisher = [[Landcare Research]] | date = November 2006 | url = http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/publications/newsletters/weeds/wtsnew38.pdf | access-date = 2008-03-02 | archive-date = 2007-12-11 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071211024112/http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/publications/newsletters/weeds/wtsnew38.pdf | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.csiro-europe.org/cytisus.html|title=CSIRO: Biological control|website=Landcareresearch.co.nz|access-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080229040435/http://www.csiro-europe.org/cytisus.html|archive-date=29 February 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===Eradication===
==== Eradication ====
The method used to remove broom is dependent on the prolific seed cycle. Care should be taken to avoid disturbing the ground or the seeding plants between late spring and mid fall. From late fall, through winter, to mid spring are preferred times to eradicate mature plants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goert.ca/documents/Best_Practices_for_Broom_revised.pdf|title=Best Practices for Invasive Species Management in Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems : Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius)|website=Goert.ca|access-date=15 August 2018}}</ref> There are several methods, cutting, pulling, burning, herbicide or introducing chickens and goats.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bcinvasives.ca/documents/Scotch_Broom_TIPS_Final_08_06_2014.pdf|title=Scotch Broom : Cytisus scoparius : Tips|website=Bcinvasives.ca|access-date=15 August 2018}}</ref> Drought areas respond well to cutting while the [[seed pods]] are young and still green. In cooler, wetter areas pulling is the preferred method, and hand-operated broom pullers are available.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.broombusters.org/howtocutbroom.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527040645/http://www.broombusters.org/howtocutbroom.html |archive-date=2015-05-27 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/cytspp/all.html#FIRE+ECOLOGY|title=Cytisus scoparius, C. striatus|website=Fs.fed.us|access-date=15 August 2018}}</ref> Often new plants will grow from roots or seed, requiring repeated treatments.
The method used to remove broom is dependent on its prolific seed cycle. Care should be taken to avoid disturbing (aerating, loosening, etc.) the adjacent ground, the sprouting and seedling plants between late spring and mid-fall; late fall through winter (possibly to mid-spring) are preferred times to eradicate mature plants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goert.ca/documents/Best_Practices_for_Broom_revised.pdf|title=Best Practices for Invasive Species Management in Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems : Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius)|website=Goert.ca|access-date=15 August 2018|archive-date=22 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722024824/http://www.goert.ca/documents/Best_Practices_for_Broom_revised.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> There are several methods, cutting, pulling, burning, herbicide or introducing chickens and goats.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bcinvasives.ca/documents/Scotch_Broom_TIPS_Final_08_06_2014.pdf|title=Scotch Broom : Cytisus scoparius : Tips|website=Bcinvasives.ca|access-date=15 August 2018|archive-date=27 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527041515/http://bcinvasives.ca/documents/Scotch_Broom_TIPS_Final_08_06_2014.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Drought areas respond well to cutting while the [[seed pods]] are young and still green. In cooler, wetter areas pulling is the preferred method, and hand-operated broom pullers are available.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.broombusters.org/howtocutbroom.html |title=Broombusters |access-date=2015-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527040645/http://www.broombusters.org/howtocutbroom.html |archive-date=2015-05-27 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/cytspp/all.html#FIRE+ECOLOGY|title=Cytisus scoparius, C. striatus|website=Fs.fed.us|access-date=15 August 2018}}</ref> Often new plants will grow from roots or seed, requiring repeated treatments.


==Phytochemicals==
== Cultivation ==
⚫
''Cytisus scoparius'' is widely cultivated as an [[ornamental plant]], with several [[cultivar]]s 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.<ref name="bean" />
⚫
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]]), [[isoflavone]]s 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]]'').<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Isamu Murakoshi |author2=Yoshiaki Yamashita |author3=Shigeru Ohmiya |author4=Hirotaka Otomasu |year=1986 |title=(−)-3β-13α-dihydroxylupanine from ''Cytisus scoparius'' |journal=[[Phytochemistry (journal)|Phytochemistry]] |volume=25 |issue=2 |pages=521–524 |doi=10.1016/S0031-9422(00)85514-4}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author1=Michael Wink |author2=Thomas Hartmann |author3=Ludger Witte |author4=Joachim Rheinheimer |year=1982 |title=Interrelationship between quinolizidine alkaloid producing legumes and infesting insects: exploitation of the alkaloid-containing phloem sap of ''Cytisus scoparius'' by the broom aphid ''Aphis cytisorum'' |journal=[[Zeitschrift für Naturforschung]] |volume=37 |issue=11–12 |pages=1081–1086 |url=http://www.uni-heidelberg.de/institute/fak14/ipmb/phazb/pdf-files/1982%20Pdf.Pubwink/6.%201982.pdf |doi=10.1515/znc-1982-11-1206 |s2cid=6640269 }}</ref>


==Medicinal uses==
== 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.<ref name="A Modern Herbal p127">''A Modern Herbal'', Grieve, Maude, {{ISBN|9780486227986}}, p. 127</ref> A decoction or infusion of broom can be used to treat [[dropsy]] due to its diuretic action.<ref>''A Modern Herbal'', Grieve, Maude, {{ISBN|9780486227986}}, pp 126-127</ref> An ointment can be made from the flowers to treat [[gout]].<ref name=Watts/> 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.<ref name="A Modern Herbal p127"/>
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.<ref name="A Modern Herbal p127">''A Modern Herbal'', Grieve, Maude, {{ISBN|9780486227986}}, p. 127</ref> A decoction or infusion of broom can be used to treat [[dropsy]] due to its diuretic action.<ref>''A Modern Herbal'', Grieve, Maude, {{ISBN|9780486227986}}, pp 126-127</ref> An ointment can be made from the flowers to treat [[gout]].<ref name=Watts/> 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.<ref name="A Modern Herbal p127"/> A medicinal beer was brewed from this herb, called broom ale, as a remedy for dropsy.<ref>{{cite book |title=Every Man His Own Gauger |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=46hKngEACAAJ |author=Lightbody, James |year=1695 |page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=46hKngEACAAJ&pg=PA100 100] |publisher=London: Printed for Hugh Newman. }}</ref>


==Culture==
==Folklore and myth==
In [[Welsh mythology]], [[Blodeuwedd]] is the name of a woman made from the flowers of broom, [[Filipendula ulmaria|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 [[Four Branches of the Mabinogi|Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi]], the tale of ''[[Math son of Mathonwy]]''.<ref name=Watts>D.C. Watts {{google books|WAagnZNb0cAC|Dictionary of Plant Lore|page=47}}</ref>
In [[Welsh mythology]], [[Blodeuwedd]] is the name of a woman made from the flowers of broom, [[Filipendula ulmaria|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 [[Four Branches of the Mabinogi|Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi]], the tale of ''[[Math son of Mathonwy]]''.<ref name=Watts>D.C. Watts {{google books|WAagnZNb0cAC|Dictionary of Plant Lore|page=47}}</ref>


Broom was considered a sign of plenty when it bore many flowers.<ref name="A Modern Herbal p126">A Modern Herbal'', Grieve, Maude, {{ISBN|9780486227986}}, p. 126</ref> However a traditional rhyme from [[Sussex]] warns: "Sweep the house with blossomed broom in May/sweep the head of the household away."<ref name=Watts/> Broom was also used in a decorated bundle of broom at weddings in place of rosemary when that was scarce,<ref name="A Modern Herbal p126"/> and its strong smell was said to be able to tame wild horses and dogs.<ref>Roberto Dainotto {{google books|YvOsDAAAQBAJ|The Mafia: A Cultural History|page=106}}</ref>
Broom was considered a sign of plenty when it bore many flowers.<ref name="A Modern Herbal p126">A Modern Herbal'', Grieve, Maude, {{ISBN|9780486227986}}, p. 126</ref> However a traditional rhyme from [[Sussex]] warns: "Sweep the house with blossomed broom in May/sweep the head of the household away."<ref name=Watts/> Broom was also used in a decorated bundle of broom at weddings in place of rosemary when that was scarce,<ref name="A Modern Herbal p126"/> and its strong smell was said to be able to tame wild horses and dogs.<ref>Roberto Dainotto {{google books|YvOsDAAAQBAJ|The Mafia: A Cultural History|page=106}}</ref>


In Italy, the shrub was burnt to stop witches.<ref name=Watts/>
In Italy, the shrub was burnt with the intent of stopping witches.<ref name=Watts/>


==Royal symbols==
=== Royal symbols ===
The name of the [[House of Plantagenet]], rulers of England in the Middle Ages, may have been derived from common broom, which was then known as ''planta genista'' in Latin.<ref name=Costain>{{cite book |last1=Costain|first1=Thomas B |date=1962|title=The Conquering Family|url=https://archive.org/details/conqueringfamily00cost|url-access=registration|publisher= New York: Popular Library}}</ref>{{rp|9}}<ref name=JonesP>{{cite book |last1=Jones|first1=Dan |date=2013|title=The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England|publisher=Viking|isbn=9780670026654 }}</ref>{{rp|1}} The plant was used as a [[heraldic badge]] by [[Geoffrey V of Anjou]] and five Plantagenet kings of England as a [[Royal Badges of England|royal emblem]].<ref>J. Bernard Burke {{google books|18KhDgAAQBAJ|The Heraldic Register|page=65}}</ref> The "broomscod", or [[seed-pod]], was the personal [[emblem]] of [[Charles VI of France]].
The name of the [[House of Plantagenet]], rulers of England in the Middle Ages, may have been derived from common broom, which was then known as '''''planta genista''''' in Latin.<ref name=Costain>{{cite book |last1=Costain|first1=Thomas B |date=1962|title=The Conquering Family|url=https://archive.org/details/conqueringfamily00cost|url-access=registration|publisher= New York: Popular Library}}</ref>{{rp|9}}<ref name=JonesP>{{cite book |last1=Jones|first1=Dan |date=2013|title=The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England|publisher=Viking|isbn=9780670026654 }}</ref>{{rp|1}} The plant was used as a [[heraldic badge]] by [[Geoffrey V of Anjou]] and five Plantagenet kings of England as a [[Royal Badges of England|royal emblem]].<ref>J. Bernard Burke {{google books|18KhDgAAQBAJ|The Heraldic Register|page=65}}</ref> The ''broomscod'', or [[seed-pod]], was the personal [[emblem]] of [[Charles VI of France]].


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[French broom]]
* [[Broom of the Cowdenknowes]]
* [[Broom (plant)|Broom]]


==References==
==References==
Line 73: Line 83:


==External links==
==External links==
*{{Commons-inline|Cytisus scoparius}}
*{{Commons-inline}}
*{{Wikispecies-inline|Cytisus scoparius}}
*{{Wikispecies-inline|Cytisus scoparius}}
* [http://www.bioimages.org.uk/html/r151074.htm Bioimages – numerous photos]
* [http://www.bioimages.org.uk/html/r151074.htm Bioimages – numerous photos]
* [http://www.goert.ca/about/invasive_species.php Garry Oak ecosystems: Invasive species]
* [http://www.goert.ca/about/invasive_species.php Garry Oak ecosystems: Invasive species] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821171117/http://www.goert.ca/about/invasive_species.php |date=2019-08-21 }}
*[https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/profile/scotch-broom Species Profile - Scotch Broom(''Cytisus scoparius'')], National Invasive Species Information Center, [[United States National Agricultural Library]].
* [https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/profile/scotch-broom Species Profile - Scotch Broom(''Cytisus scoparius'')], National Invasive Species Information Center, [[United States National Agricultural Library]].
* {{CalPhotos|Cytisus|scoparius}}


{{Taxonbar|from=Q145781}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q145781}}

Latest revision as of 19:50, 22 September 2024

Cytisus scoparius
Common broom
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Cytisus
Species:
C. scoparius
Binomial name
Cytisus scoparius
Synonyms[1]
List
    • Sarothamnus bourgaei Boiss.
    • Sarothamnus oxyphyllus Boiss.
    • Sarothamnus scoparius (L.) W.D.J.Koch
    • Sarothamnus vulgaris Wimm.
    • 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.[2] In Great Britain and Ireland, the standard name is broom;[3][4][5] 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.[6][7] In other English-speaking countries, the most common name is "Scotch broom" (or Scots broom);[8] however, it is known as English broom in Australia.[9]

Though this plant is native to Europe, it has spread to many other parts of the world. Scotch broom is now common in certain areas of North America and South America. This is because people started introducing Scotch broom to different areas of the world.

After it was introduced in North America, Scotch broom was frequently planted in gardens. Later, it was used for erosion control along highway cuts and fills.[10]

There are other problems with Scotch broom as well. It is slightly toxic and unpalatable to livestock.[11] It also has seeds that are viable for up to ten years, making them able to grow even after years of extermination.

Description

[edit]
Illustration of C. scoparius from Köhler's Medicinal Plants (1887)

Plants of C. scoparius typically grow to 1–3 metres (3+1⁄2–10 feet) tall, rarely to 4 m (13 ft), with main stems up to 5 centimetres (2 inches) thick, rarely 10 cm (4 in). Stems are ridged and green.[12] The shrubs have green shoots with small deciduous trifoliate leaves 5–15 millimetres (1⁄4–5⁄8 in) long, and in spring and summer are covered in profuse golden yellow flowers 20–30 mm (3⁄4–1+1⁄8 in) from top to bottom and 15–20 mm wide. Flowering occurs after 50–80 growing degree-days. The seed pods have long hairs only along their seams.[12] In late summer, its legumes (seed pods) mature black, 2–3 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄4 in) long, 8 mm (3⁄8 in) broad and 2–3 mm thick; they burst open, often with an audible crack, forcibly throwing seed from the parent plant. This species is adapted to Mediterranean and coastal climates, and its range is limited by cold winter temperatures. It also adapts to windy oceanic climates. The seeds, seedlings, and young shoots are sensitive to frost; adult plants are hardier, and branches affected by freezing temperatures regenerate quickly.[3][5][13] C. scoparius contains toxic alkaloids that depress the heart and nervous system.[14]

A legume, this shrub can fix nitrogen in the soil through a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria.

Phytochemicals

[edit]

One of the 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 herbivores (with the exception of the resistant aphid species Aphis cytisorum).[15][16]

Classification

[edit]

The two subspecies of Cytisus scoparius are:[2][3]

  • Cytisus scoparius subsp. scoparius - throughout the species' range.
  • Cytisus scoparius subsp. maritimus (Rouy) Heywood - Western European maritime cliffs and associated environments; differs with prostrate growth; not over 0.4 m tall; downy young shoots.

Distribution and habitat

[edit]

Cytisus scoparius is native to western and central Europe,[2] being common in Great Britain and Republic of Ireland.[17][18] It is found in sunny sites, usually on dry, sandy soils at low altitudes, tolerating very acidic soil conditions.[3]

Outside of its native range, it is an ecologically destructive colonizing invasive species in grassland, shrub and woodland, and other habitats.[19][20]

Ecology

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As an invasive species

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Broom is an invasive species in North America.

Cytisus scoparius has been introduced into several other countries and continents, outside of its native range, and is commonly classified as a noxious invasive species in western North America, mainly in British Columbia (including on Vancouver Island), California, Oregon, Washington (west of the Cascades), the Sierra Nevada range,[21] fragmented areas of North America's eastern seaboard,[19] as well as Australia (where it is a declared weed),[22][23] New Zealand,[24] and in India.[25] These shrubs are sometimes utilized for civic and public landscaping projects in the American west due to their hardiness, and will seasonally reseed themselves, growing in disturbed areas, and along utility and transportation rights-of-way. The prolific growth of the plants after timber harvest or wildfire events clearly inhibits reforestation efforts, the sprouts competing with native plant seedlings and trees.[26] It is estimated that broom is responsible for US$47 million in lost timber production each year in the state of Oregon.[27] In New Zealand, broom is estimated to cost the forestry industry NZ$90 million, and to cost farmers an additional NZ$10 million in losses.[28]

Biological control for broom has been investigated since the mid-1980s, with a number of insect species being tested. Some of the tested invertebrates include the broom twig miner (Leucoptera spartifoliella), broom seed beetles (Bruchidius villosus), broom gall mites (Aceria genistae), sap-sucking broom psyllids (Arytainilla spartiophila), the Scotch broom seed weevil (Exapion fuscirostre) and recently, the broom leaf beetle (Gonioctena olivacea) and broom shoot moths (Agonopterix assimilella).[29][30]

Eradication

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The method used to remove broom is dependent on its prolific seed cycle. Care should be taken to avoid disturbing (aerating, loosening, etc.) the adjacent ground, the sprouting and seedling plants between late spring and mid-fall; late fall through winter (possibly to mid-spring) are preferred times to eradicate mature plants.[31] There are several methods, cutting, pulling, burning, herbicide or introducing chickens and goats.[32] Drought areas respond well to cutting while the seed pods are young and still green. In cooler, wetter areas pulling is the preferred method, and hand-operated broom pullers are available.[33] 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.[34] Often new plants will grow from roots or seed, requiring repeated treatments.

Cultivation

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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.[13]

Uses

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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.[35] A decoction or infusion of broom can be used to treat dropsy due to its diuretic action.[36] An ointment can be made from the flowers to treat gout.[37] 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.[35] A medicinal beer was brewed from this herb, called broom ale, as a remedy for dropsy.[38]

Culture

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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.[37]

Broom was considered a sign of plenty when it bore many flowers.[39] However a traditional rhyme from Sussex warns: "Sweep the house with blossomed broom in May/sweep the head of the household away."[37] Broom was also used in a decorated bundle of broom at weddings in place of rosemary when that was scarce,[39] and its strong smell was said to be able to tame wild horses and dogs.[40]

In Italy, the shrub was burnt with the intent of stopping witches.[37]

Royal symbols

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The name of the House of Plantagenet, rulers of England in the Middle Ages, may have been derived from common broom, which was then known as planta genista in Latin.[41]: 9 [42]: 1  The plant was used as a heraldic badge by Geoffrey V of Anjou and five Plantagenet kings of England as a royal emblem.[43] The broomscod, or seed-pod, was the personal emblem of Charles VI of France.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species". Theplantlist.org. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
  2. ^ a b c "Flora Europaea Search Results". Rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  3. ^ a b c d M. Blamey; C. Grey-Wilson (1989). Flora of Britain and Northern Europe. Hodder & Stoughton. ISBN 0-340-40170-2.
  4. ^ "Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (zip file)". Bsbi.org.uk. Archived from the original on 3 February 2007. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  5. ^ a b H. Vedel; J. Lange (1960). Trees and Bushes. London: Metheun.
  6. ^ "Wild Flowers of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Scotland". Lenymede.demon.co.uk. Archived from the original on 14 October 2006. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  7. ^ "GardenWorld". Archived from the original on 2006-10-06. Retrieved 2006-12-17.
  8. ^ "What is Scotch Broom?". Archived from the original on 2006-12-05. Retrieved 2006-11-20.
  9. ^ "English broom". Agriculture.vic.gov.au. Archived from the original on 16 August 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  10. ^ "Exotic Species: Scotch Broom (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved 2024-08-13.
  11. ^ "Exotic Species: Scotch Broom (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved 2024-08-13.
  12. ^ a b "Exotic Species: Scotch Broom (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved 2021-04-02.
  13. ^ a b W. J. Bean (1970). Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles. London: John Murray. ISBN 0-7195-1790-7.
  14. ^ Jim Pojar; A. MacKinnon; Paul B. Alaback (1994). Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska. Redmond, WA: Lone Pine.
  15. ^ Isamu Murakoshi; Yoshiaki Yamashita; Shigeru Ohmiya; Hirotaka Otomasu (1986). "(−)-3β-13α-dihydroxylupanine from Cytisus scoparius". Phytochemistry. 25 (2): 521–524. Bibcode:1986PChem..25..521M. doi:10.1016/S0031-9422(00)85514-4.
  16. ^ Michael Wink; Thomas Hartmann; Ludger Witte; Joachim Rheinheimer (1982). "Interrelationship between quinolizidine alkaloid producing legumes and infesting insects: exploitation of the alkaloid-containing phloem sap of Cytisus scoparius by the broom aphid Aphis cytisorum" (PDF). Zeitschrift für Naturforschung. 37 (11–12): 1081–1086. doi:10.1515/znc-1982-11-1206. S2CID 6640269.
  17. ^ Clapham, A.R., Tutin, T.G. and Warburg, E.F. 1968. Excursion Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge Press. ISBN 0-521-04656-4
  18. ^ Parnell, J. and Curtis, T. 2012. Webb's An Irish Flora. Cork University Press. ISBN 978-185918-4783
  19. ^ a b "Species Profile – Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius (L.))". National Invasive Species Information Center, United States National Agricultural Library. Archived from the original on July 26, 2013. Retrieved October 9, 2013.
  20. ^ Ashfaq Ahmed Zarri; Asad R. Rahmani; Mark J. Behan (2006). "Habitat modifications by Scotch broom Cytisus scoparius invasion of grasslands of the Upper Nilgiris in India". Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society. 103 (2–3): 356–365.
  21. ^ "Cytisus scoparius, C. striatus". www.feis-crs.org. Retrieved 18 August 2019.
  22. ^ "Broom". Dpipwe.tas.gov.au. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  23. ^ Andrew W. Sheppard; Peter Hodge; Quentin Paynter; Mark Rees (2002). "Factors affecting invasion and persistence of broom Cytisus scoparius in Australia". Journal of Applied Ecology. 39 (5): 721–734. Bibcode:2002JApEc..39..721S. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2664.2002.00750.x. JSTOR 827200.
  24. ^ "Broom – outside Howard – St Arnaud". Pest Management. Nelson City Council. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  25. ^ K. J. B. Potter; D. J. Kriticos; M. S. Wait; A. Leriche (2009). "The current and future potential distribution of Cytisus scoparius: a weed of pastoral systems, natural ecosystems and plantation forestry". Weed Research. 49 (3): 271–282. Bibcode:2009WeedR..49..271P. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3180.2009.00697.x.
  26. ^ "Invasive Plant Species Management Plan: Appendix 7" (PDF). McDonald-Dunn Forest Plan. Oregon State University, College of Forestry. p. 10. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-05-04. Retrieved 2006-12-20.
  27. ^ "Scotch broom". ODA Plant Division, Noxious Weed Control. Retrieved 2006-09-03.
  28. ^ Press release (2008-02-12). "New bio-controls for pest plant". Landcare Research. Archived from the original on 2008-03-06. Retrieved 2008-03-02.
  29. ^ "What's New In Biological Control of Weeds?" (PDF). Landcare Research. November 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-12-11. Retrieved 2008-03-02.
  30. ^ "CSIRO: Biological control". Landcareresearch.co.nz. Archived from the original on 29 February 2008. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  31. ^ "Best Practices for Invasive Species Management in Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems : Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius)" (PDF). Goert.ca. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 July 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  32. ^ "Scotch Broom : Cytisus scoparius : Tips" (PDF). Bcinvasives.ca. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 May 2015. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  33. ^ "Broombusters". Archived from the original on 2015-05-27. Retrieved 2015-05-27.
  34. ^ "Cytisus scoparius, C. striatus". Fs.fed.us. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  35. ^ a b A Modern Herbal, Grieve, Maude, ISBN 9780486227986, p. 127
  36. ^ A Modern Herbal, Grieve, Maude, ISBN 9780486227986, pp 126-127
  37. ^ a b c d D.C. Watts Dictionary of Plant Lore, p. 47, at Google Books
  38. ^ Lightbody, James (1695). Every Man His Own Gauger. London: Printed for Hugh Newman. p. 100.
  39. ^ a b A Modern Herbal, Grieve, Maude, ISBN 9780486227986, p. 126
  40. ^ Roberto Dainotto The Mafia: A Cultural History, p. 106, at Google Books
  41. ^ Costain, Thomas B (1962). The Conquering Family. New York: Popular Library.
  42. ^ Jones, Dan (2013). The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England. Viking. ISBN 9780670026654.
  43. ^ J. Bernard Burke The Heraldic Register, p. 65, at Google Books

Further reading

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  • "Scotch Broom". Ingrid Parker's Lab • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology • UC Santa Cruz. Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
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