CIPC - Priority Invasive Plants

There are a number of invasive plant species in Coastal BC.
Download our most recent priority list here (PDF - 38KB)

Scotch Broom

Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) is often admired as a beautiful ornamental species. With bright yellow flowers and leathery green stems, it is certainly attractive; however, it is considered a highly invasive alien plant. This woody perennial shrub can be identified by its yellow pea-like flowers that bloom in May, and flat brown seed pods.

Broom is originally from Scotland, and was brought to BC in the 1850’s as a garden ornamental. Since then, this seemingly harmless plant has spread dramatically throughout the Coastal region of BC and is now moving into some areas of the Southern Interior. Scotch broom along with other broom varieties, such as Spanish broom (Spartium junceum), “jump the garden fence” invading roadsides and sensitive ecosystems throughout Vancouver Island and surrounding Coastal communities.

These seemingly harmless ornamentals are aggressive and damaging to our natural environment. Residents are encouraged to remove plants on their property. Small seedlings (less than a pencil width) can be pulled when the soil is moist. Larger plants must be cut down, preferably in May when the flowers are out but have not yet gone to seed. It is important to try to prevent plants from going to seed as this is the major method of spread. Broom does not grow well in shade, so to prevent mature stalks from re-growing; the cut stumps should be covered with plastic to prevent light access. It is also important to remove cut plant material from desirable areas as these old plant parts will release toxins into the soil that prevent re-establishment of desirable plants.

Additional Information:
www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/weedguid ...

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