Scotch Broom

Description:

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.[8] [edit] Invasive species Broom as an invasive species in the United States.Cytisus scoparius has been introduced into several other continents outside its native range and is classified as a noxious invasive species in California and the Pacific Northwest[clarification needed] in North America,[10] and in Australia,[citation needed] New Zealand[citation needed] and India.[citation needed] These shrubs commonly grow in disturbed areas and along utility and transportation right-of-ways. The prolific growth of this species after timber harvest inhibits reforestation by competing with seedling trees.[12] It is estimated that it is responsible for US$47 million in lost timber production each year in Oregon.[13] In New Zealand broom the species estimated to cost the forestry industry NZ$90 million and farmers NZ$10 million.[14] Biological control for broom has been investigated since the mid 1980s with a number of species being trialled. They include the broom twig miner (Leucoptera spartifoliella), the broom seed beetles (Bruchidius villosus) the broom gall mite (Aceria genistae) the sap-sucking broom psyllid (Arytainilla spartiophila) and recently the broom leaf beetle (Gonioctena olivacea) and the broom shoot moth (Agonopterix assimilella).[15] Some attempts have been made to develop biological controls in affected areas, using three broom-feeding insects, the psyllid Arytainilla spartiophylla, the beetle Bruchidius villosus, and the moth Leucoptera spartifoliella.