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French Broom

Genista monspessulana

Plant Description

Perennial shrub with yellow pea-family flowers; small oval leaves in groups of three. Small brown seed pods covered with silky hairs; older stems are brown.

Plant Details

Life Forms
Habitats
ODA Listing
Soil and Moisture Conditions
Suggested Actions
Shade Preference
Mature Height 3-10'
Distribution widespread in northern California , more limited distribution in Oregon.
Control Hand-pull young plants or dig or use a weed wrench when soil is moist. Return to the area to look for and remove seedlings in the following years. Seeds can remain viable up to 30 years.
Reproduction and Spread High seed production - a single plant can produce over 8000 seeds per year and the seeds are long-lived.
Introduced European in origin, introduced to North America as an ornamental.
Look Alikes Spanish broom, Scotch broom
Impact Threatens grassland habitats, outcompetes other plant species
More Info
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