Scotch Broom

Cytisus scoparius

Leguminosae - Pea Family

Common names: Genista, Broom Tops, Irish Broom

For most of the year, at least in Washington state, Scotch Broom blends quietly into the background of green bushes against the hills and evergreen trees. Then, come spring, suddenly and seemingly spontaneously for miles around, massive blooms of yellow erupt. The bushes explode in color, a vivid contrast against its green background. A glorious sight!

In the United States, the appearance of Scotch Broom can be witnessed both on the East and the West Coasts. The colonists probably brought the plant from Europe where it is native. Broom's introduction to the West Coast is told in Plants of the Pacific Northwest edited by Jim Pojar and Andy MacKinnen. It seems that when Captain Walter Colquhoun Grant was in the Sandwich Islands, the British Counsel gave him some Broom seeds. He then sailed to Vancouver Island where he planted them in 1850. Three plants germinated and, being an invasive plant, proceeded to cover the region.

Scotch Broom is a large, spreading shrub, growing up to ten feet high. Its slender, green branches are stiff and angular. Its deciduous leaves are small. The bright yellow flowers have the typical "pea" flower shape and bloom from April to July. It grows well in the sandy, coastal areas as well as in the open woods and along roadsides.

Historically, this plant has had a long list of uses. One of the most practical was the making of brooms. This was done by cutting several branches and tying them tightly to a stick long enough for a person's comfort while sweeping. Then, after trimming the twigs so they touched the ground evenly, the broom was ready to use. The twigs and branches were also used to build huts and thatch roofs and to burn for fuel. The bark provided fiber which was turned into rope. Scotch Broom was also considered a dye plant.

Medicinally broom tops were valued for heart problems. It was also used as a strong diuretic. However, modern scientists have found that the plant contains toxic substances and all parts are considered poisonous and should not be taken internally.

Scotch Broom is considered a nuisance and in Washington state declared a noxious weed. Although it is now limited in use, its beauty can still be enjoyed during the summer months of bloom.