Cytisus scoparius

Wild broom

Family: Fabaceae

Origin: Eurasia

Wild Broom branch with immature seed pods.
A dense perennial shrub that can grow up to 2m tall. Wild broom forms scraggly bushes that are hard to penetrate.
Photo credit: Holly Cox

Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status

  • Whole region — Progressive containment, council delivered
  • Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area Notice pest

View more about the RPMP statuses

General description

Wild broom is here defined as all Cytisus scoparius, except cultivated varieties. Dense, multi-stemmed perennial shrub < 2 m tall. Stems are five-angled, photosynthetic and green when young, turning woody with age. Leaves are small, < 15 mm long, hairy, trifoliate and deciduous.

Flowers are yellow, pea-like, < 25 mm and produced in spring – summer. Seed pods are hairy and green, maturing to black.

What you need to know

To help protect our environment:

  • You must not breed, distribute, release or sell wild broom within the Auckland region.
  • You must not plant wild broom within the Auckland region.

Auckland Council will manage wild broom at all rural sites where it is known to occur.

If you see wild broom anywhere in rural Auckland, please report it to Auckland Council at pestfree@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Habitats

Lowland and montane areas, shrubland, grassland, steep slopes, open forest, riparian areas, riverbeds, wasteland, disturbed habitat, pasture, plantations.

Dispersal

Seeds dispersed by explosive dehiscence and contaminated soil on livestock. Human-mediated dispersal through movement of contaminated soil on vehicles and machinery.

Impact on environment

Forms dense stands and competes with native vegetation. Reduces pasture and plantation productivity. Nitrogen fixer.

Control

Recommended approaches

Do not attempt to undertake control of this species. Please report to Auckland Council.

Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.