Scotch broom

Brooms

The common broom, also called Scotch broom or English broom (Cytisus scoparius), is a perennial shrub native to western and central Europe. Broom plants are a type of pea that have been cultivated for their ornamental features. Several species of broom have been introduced to Australia and have become widespread invasive weeds in the southern states. 

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. 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 

Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) is a large shrub, up to 4 metres, with bright yellow flowers. 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. 

In New South Wales, large areas of native vegetation have become infested with the weed. 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. 

Why is scotch broom a problem?

Scotch broom is difficult to control. It is highly invasive and spreads rapidly because it: 

• produces many seeds and can tolerate dry summers 
• forms dense, shaded thickets which can inhibit and exclude native plant growth, leading to its complete dominance of the understorey and eventually the canopy 
• can infest agricultural pastures and reduce grazing areas 
• can provide shelter for pest animals such as pigs and horses, threatening native animals and plants 
• can alter soils by increasing nitrogen levels 
• can alter fire regimes and restrict access to infested areas. 

Scotch broom is one of the major weed threats to the alpine and subalpine areas of Australia. The weed is spread mainly through cross-pollination but also by animals, humans, farm machinery and in waterways such as creeks. Scotch broom has been listed as a Weed of National Significance and threatens many threatened species across New South Wales. 

The invasion and establishment of Scotch broom is listed as a key threatening process in New South Wales. 

Managing scotch broom in our national parks 

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) uses an integrated approach to manage the weed, combining different control methods to achieve the best results and minimise its impact on native plant species. 

Scotch broom management is guided by the Broom Management Manual, which provides information on biology, ecology and effective control of the brooms listed as Weeds of National Significance and highlights other new and emerging broom weed threats.

It also includes advice on planning, holistic management, restoration and monitoring, as well as case studies that provide real examples of the successes and challenges of broom weed control.