broom

Botanical Name	Cytisus scoparius
Family	Fabaceae
Origin	Europe, Asia Minor, Russia

Identification

Much-branched shrub up to 2-2.5 m high. Twigs green, angled and shiny (silky when young). Pea-like flowers golden yellow, Sep-Apr.

Habitats

Shrublands, gumlands, consolidated sand dunes, roadsides, gravel pits/quarries, exotic plantations, rough pasture, domestic gardens. Successional impact on forest shrublands possibly to detriment of kauri and tanekaha. Common in the Bay of Plenty.

Impact to Biota and Ecosystems

Potential to spread rapidly and out-compete plant species of low shrublands.

Dispersal Routes, Vectors, Infestation Sources

Primary sources are gravel pits, quarries, domestic gardens, roadsides and exotic plantations where it is spread by machinery to skid sites and along roads. In these sites it multiplies and spreads to natural communities. Produces seed.

Management

Management
Physical Control	Dig out plants of all ages.
Disposal
Chemical Control	Spray with selected herbicide in spring-summer. (i) Triclopyr Rate - Handgun 200-300 ml Triclopyr/100 litres water. Knapsack 20-30 ml Triclopyr/10 litres water. (ii) Tordon Brushkiller Rate - Handgun 250 ml Tordon/100 litres water. Knapsack 25 ml Tordon/10 litres water. (iii) Metsulfuron Rate - Handgun 35 grams Metsulfuron/100 litres water plus 100 ml Penetrant. Knapsack 5 grams Metsulfuron/10 litres water plus 10 ml Penetrant.
Biological Control	Two biological control agents have been introduced. Broom Psyliid (Aryntainilla Spartiophila) Broom Seed Beetle (Bruchidius Vilosus) Broom Twigminer (Leucopteru Spartifoliella) was self introduced.
Recommended Approach	Spray or grub to control all living plants annually. Follow up on young regrowth and seedlings will be required. Check sources of gravel used in track maintenance to ensure it is free of legumes and other weed seeds. When spraying mark sites where future disturbance is possible e.g. roadworks.