Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) is a long-lived perennial shrub that is found quite commonly along roadsides and in yards in Western Washington and Oregon.  We like to think of it as the diffuse knapweed of the "Westside" because they have as much of a problem with Scotch broom as we do with diffuse knapweed.  

In Eastern Washington, there are very few known infestations of Scotch broom and we'd like to keep it that way.  Some people don't think this noxious weed can survive the colder winters and the dryer habitats we have East of the Cascades and say it should never become a problem plant here.  There is a site in our county that has had broom on it for over 40 years now.  The landowners weren't concerned about it because it seemed to be present but not spreading nor causing any problems for years and years.  They became concerned about it a few years back when it ballooned from a few plants into 3 acres or so seemingly overnight.  This is when they brought it to our attention at the weed board.  We believe the plants and seeds finally adapted to our climate.  The point is that Scotch broom can and has established itself in Eastern Washington and we need to put every effort into eradicating infestations when they are found and to always be on the lookout for new sites.

We have worked on the 3 acre site as well as a dozen much smaller sites and have had very good success thus far.  On the larger site, we use a combination of herbicide and hand pulling and on the smaller sites, we've seen great results simply by pulling or digging the plants.  Because the seeds reportedly live up to 70 years, we will have quite a job just checking for new plants every year. 

Logged-over areas have been where the majority of the plants have been found, but we've also seen plants escape ornamental settings and one site was an intentionally planted broom in an old cemetery.  At a site near Kettle Falls we visited the area one day to make a plan for control work and when we returned the next day to perform the work most of the dozen or so plants had been dug out and removed (along with a lot of soil) presumably for transplanting in someone's yard or garden.  We're still trying to find those plants!

If you think you've seen Scotch broom in a forested setting, field or along a road or if you have planted it in your yard without knowing what it was, please contact us!  We will verify the identity-there are a lot of ornamental brooms that are not considered noxious-and take control measures as appropriate.  We may even be able to get a replacement plant for you if you voluntarily let us know you planted it in your yard.  Because we've found very little Scotch broom in the county to date, we have been able to offer 100% cost share-meaning the landowner doesn't have to pay anything or do any work themselves.  One of our cooperators does get out and help us with spraying and locating plants, however, and we certainly encourage and welcome landowner participation.