Scotch broom is one of the major weed threats to the alpine and subalpine areas of Australia. can alter fire regimes and restrict access to infested areas.can alter soils by increasing nitrogen levels.can provide shelter for pest animals such as pigs and horses, threatening native animals and plants.can infest agricultural pastures and reduce grazing areas.forms dense, shaded thickets which can inhibit and exclude native plant growth, leading to its complete dominance of the understorey and eventually the canopy.produces many seeds and can tolerate dry summers.It is highly invasive and spreads rapidly because it: It is particularly prevalent along the Great Dividing Range in areas such as the Blue Mountains, Barrington Tops, Kosciuszko National Park and the Central and Southern Tablelands. In New South Wales, large areas of native vegetation have become infested with the weed. Plants usually have numerous straight young branches, which gives the weed its common name. It occurs mainly in cool temperate regions, at high altitudes or along the edges of watercourses. Scotch broom ( Cytisus scoparius) is a large shrub, up to 4 metres, with bright yellow flowers. These 3 broom species are widespread across southern Australia, where they invade native vegetation and agricultural lands forming dense infestations that cause significant environmental and economic impacts. Scotch broom ( Cytisus scoparius), Montpellier broom or Cape broom ( Genista monspessulana) and flax-leaf broom ( Genista linifolia) were collectively listed as Weeds of National Significance in 2012. Several species of broom have been introduced to Australia and have become widespread invasive weeds in the southern states. Broom plants are a type of pea that have been cultivated for their ornamental features. The common broom, also called Scotch broom or English broom ( Cytisus scoparius), is a perennial shrub native to western and central Europe. Infestations are found in New South Wales, including alpine and subalpine areas.

Scotch broom plant colors