Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius subsp. scoparius)

Also known as: English broom

Scotch broom is a shrub 1-2 m high with bright yellow flowers and pea-like seed pods. It is poisonous and outcompetes native vegetation.

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How does this weed affect you?

Scotch broom invades agricultural land and natural environments. It:

• outcompetes native plants
• reduces food and shelter for native animals
• is toxic to humans and some animals
• forms dense thickets that can limit access by people and animals
• invades pastures and reduces productivity
• harbours feral animals such as rabbits, foxes and pigs
• increases the risk of bushfire through increased fuel load.

Invasion and establishment of Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) is listed as a key threatening process in the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. 

Human poisoning

Scotch broom seeds and leaves are poisonous, they can cause discomfort and irritation. Symptoms of poisoning include high blood pressure and nausea. If ingested in large amounts, it can weaken the heart. Scotch broom poisoning is not usually life-threatening.

What to do if a person is poisoned:

• If the patient is unconscious, unresponsive or having difficulty breathing dial 000 or get to the emergency section of a hospital immediately.
• If the patient is conscious and responsive call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 or your doctor.

What does it look like?

Scotch broom is an upright shrub that usually grows 1.0-2.5 m tall but can be up to 4 m high. Plants can live for decades and may be deciduous in some conditions.

Leaves are:

• dark green
• usually in groups of three leaflets with the middle leaf longer than the outer two
• 5–20 mm long and 1.5–8 mm wide
• oval to lance shaped
• hairy on the underside and sometimes have scattered hairs on the top side
• on short stalks or stalkless.

Flowers are:

• yellow and pea-like
• 2–2.5 cm long
• single or in pairs
• mostly present from spring to early summer.

Nurseries have produced ornamental hybrids by crossing Scotch broom with other Cytisus and Genista species. Some of these hybrids Scotch broom plants have red and yellow flowers. 

Seed pods are:

• green when young and brown to black when mature
• up to 7 cm long and 1 cm wide
• like pea pods with 5–22 seeds
• hairy along the edges
• coiled after splitting open to release the seeds.

Seeds are:

• usually brown, sometimes greenish yellow
• oval-shaped
• up to 3 mm long
• smooth, rounded and slightly flattened with a hard coat (that helps seeds survive for many years in the soil before sprouting).

Stems are:

• usually brown, sometimes green-yellow
• woody with 5 prominent ribs
• upright when young
• up to 6 m long on older branches, sometimes growing along the ground. 

Similar looking plants

Scotch broom looks like the following weed species.

• Cape broom (Genista monspessulana), which has flowers in groups of 3-10 and the pods are hairy all over not just the edges.
• Flax-leaf broom (Genista linifolia), which has flowers in groups of three and the pods are hairy all over not just the edges.
• Spanish broom (Spartium junceum), which has larger pods up to 8 cm long and the leaves do not grow in groups of three.

Where is it found?

Scotch broom grows in the cool temperate areas of NSW, particularly on the tablelands. There are also some large populations on the Barrington Tops in the Hunter region and near Braidwood in the South East.

Brooms were originally planted as hedge or ornamental garden plants.

What type of environment does it grow in?

Scotch broom grows in cool temperate climates with annual rainfall over 500 mm. In dry climates it only grows along drains and waterways. It is mostly found in areas over 600 m above sea level. Although it can grow on a variety of soil types, it grows best on moist fertile soils. 

Scotch broom grows:

• in pastures and native grasslands
• in woodlands, open forests and along forest edges
• along river banks.
• in disturbed areas including roadsides.

Maps and records

• Recorded presence of Scotch broom during property inspections (Map: Biosecurity Information System - Weeds, 2017-2026)
  These records are made by authorised officers during property inspections under the Biosecurity Act 2015. Officers record the presence of priority weeds in their council area and provide this to the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Records reflect the presence of the weed on the date of inspection.
  
  

How does it spread?

By seed

Scotch broom plants start flowering when plants are at least 2 years old. The seeds have a hard coating which means that some seeds remain dormant, especially in dry conditions. Seeds can stay viable in the soil for over 3 years. Seedbanks under mature infestations in NSW have been recorded as having up to 50,000 seeds per square metre.

Seed pods burst open in hot weather, scattering seeds up to 4 m away. This helps the plant spread quickly and form thickets. Seeds are also spread short distances by ants. Further spread is by:

• mud attached to machinery especially earth moving equipment and graders
• vehicles and footwear
• animals including horses
• contaminated agricultural produce
• flood water
• people dumping garden waste.

References

Harvey, K.J., McConnachie, A.J. Sullivan, P. Holtkamp, R. & Officer, D. (2021). Biological control of weeds: a practitioner's guide for south east Australia. New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Orange.

Hosking, J.R., Smith, J.M.B. and Sheppard, A.W. (1998). Cytisus scoparius (L) Link ssp. scoparius. in, The Biology of Australian Weeds, volume 2. Eds F.D. Panetta, R.H. Groves & R.C.H. Shepherd. RG and FJ Richardson, Melbourne. pp. 77-88.

Muyt, A. (2001). Bush invaders of South-East Australia: a guide to the identification and control of environmental weeds found in South-East Australia. R.G. and F.J. Richardson.

Parsons, W.T., & Cuthbertson, E. G. (2001). Noxious weeds of Australia. 2nd edition. CSIRO publishing.

More information

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Control

Integrated management programs are essential for long-term control. This involves using a combination of control methods to get the best possible results. Repeated removal of above-ground growth, by slashing, grazing or fire, will suppress plants but will not destroy them. Treatments that shatter the roots or herbicides that move though the plant and roots are required to kill these weeds. Control of Scotch broom will take at least five years.

Prevention

Check equipment, footwear, vehicles and animals for seeds and wash down before leaving infested areas.  Vehicles, bushwalkers and horse riders should stay on tracks to reduce the number of seeds picked up on tyres, footwear and hooves.

Early detection

Inspect each year for scotch broom plants. Treat young plants (less than 2 years old) before they flower. Control is more difficult once plants have seeded.

Grazing

Sheep and goats will eat scotch broom seedlings. Sheep can suppress seedlings but will have little impact on adult plants. Large numbers of goats can reduce the bulk of adult plants.

Physical removal

Physical removal is easiest after rain when soil is moist. Check sites within 6 months for regrowth. Check earlier if there are fires or soil disturbances that can cause seeds to sprout.

By hand

Plants may be dug out by hand. Remove the whole plant, including all roots. Hand weeding is best used on small, scattered plants. Dispose of the seed.

By machine

Dense infestations have been controlled by bulldozing the plants followed by repeated disc cultivation for two years. Slashing repeatedly suppresses but does not kill plants. It can help allow access for other treatments.

Disposal

Plants can be burnt or contact your local council for other disposal advice.

Fire

Fire can suppress plants but does not kill them as they can regrow from the root stumps. Fire stimulates seed germination therefore using fire followed by seedling control can reduce the soil seedbank.

Seek all relevant permissions if using fire.

Biological control

Several biological control agents have been released in NSW. The Scotch broom gall mite (Aceria genistae), currently provides the best biological control for Scotch broom. Under favourable conditions, shrubs may die due to the gall mites’ impact. The effects can be limited by cooler climates.

Contact your local council weeds officer for advice on using biological control on Scotch broom.

Chemical control

More than one application may be necessary.

Spraying

Spray actively growing plants. Rates may vary depending on the time of year. Apply to all foliage.

Cut stump method

Cut the stems and then apply the herbicide to the surface of the stem within 15 seconds.

Stem injection

Drill or make cuts into the sapwood and fill with herbicide within 15 seconds. 

Herbicide options

See Using herbicides for more information.

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PERMIT 11916 Expires 30/09/2030
Glyphosate 360 g/L (Various products)
Rate: Undiluted or diluted to 100 ml of herbicide per 600 ml of water.
Comments: Cut stump or stem inject method. Use the higher rate for plants with a stem diameter greater than 5 cm.
Withholding period: Nil.
Herbicide group: 9 (previously group M), Inhibition of 5-enolpyruvyl shikimate-3 phosphate synthase (EPSP inhibition)
Resistance risk: Moderate

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Glyphosate 360 g/L (Various products)
Rate: 100–130 mL per 10 L of water
Comments: Foliar spot spray application.
Withholding period: Nil.
Herbicide group: 9 (previously group M), Inhibition of 5-enolpyruvyl shikimate-3 phosphate synthase (EPSP inhibition)
Resistance risk: Moderate

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Picloram 100 g/L + Triclopyr 300 g/L + Aminopyralid 8 g/L (Grazon® Extra)
Rate: 250 or 350 mL in 100 L of water
Comments: Spray the lower rate when plants are actively growing mid-summer to pod formation. Higher rate for autumn-winter treatment.
Withholding period: Where product is used to control woody weeds in pastures there is a restriction of 12 weeks for use of treated pastures for making hay and silage; using hay or other plant material for compost, mulch or mushroom substrate; or using animal waste from animals grazing on treated pastures for compost, mulching, or spreading on pasture/crops.
Herbicide group: 4 (previously group I), Disruptors of plant cell growth (Auxin mimics)
Resistance risk: Moderate

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Picloram 44.7 g/L + Aminopyralid 4.47 g/L (Vigilant II ®)
Rate: Undiluted
Comments: Cut stump for small plants: Apply a 3–5 mm layer of gel onto stems less than 2 cm diameter. Apply 5 mm layer on stems above 2 cm diameter. Stem inject trees: Make evenly spaced cuts 1.5-2 cm deep around the trunk. Apply a 5 mm layer of gel over the lower surface of the cut.
Withholding period: Nil.
Herbicide group: 4 (previously group I), Disruptors of plant cell growth (Auxin mimics)
Resistance risk: Moderate

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Triclopyr 300 g/L + Picloram 100 g/L (Various products)
Rate: 250 or 350 mL per 100 L of water
Comments: Spray the lower rate when plants are actively growing mid-summer to pod formation. Higher rate for autumn-winter treatment.
Withholding period: Nil.
Herbicide group: 4 (previously group I), Disruptors of plant cell growth (Auxin mimics)
Resistance risk: Moderate

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Triclopyr 600 g/L (Garlon® 600)
Rate: 170 mL per 100 L of water
Comments: Spray spring to mid-summer prior to pod formation. Spray actively growing plants Thoroughly cover all the foliage and stems to the point of runoff.
Withholding period: Not required when used as directed. If use is off-label check permit.
Herbicide group: 4 (previously group I), Disruptors of plant cell growth (Auxin mimics)
Resistance risk: Moderate

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Biosecurity duty

The content provided here is for information purposes only and is taken from the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and its subordinate legislation, and the Regional Strategic Weed Management Plans (published by each Local Land Services region in NSW). It describes the state and regional priorities for weeds in New South Wales, Australia.

Area	Duty
All of NSW	General Biosecurity Duty All pest plants are regulated with a general biosecurity duty to prevent, eliminate or minimise any biosecurity risk they may pose. Any person who deals with any plant, who knows (or ought to know) of any biosecurity risk, has a duty to ensure the risk is prevented, eliminated or minimised, so far as is reasonably practicable.
All of NSW	Prohibition on certain dealings Must not be imported into the state, sold, bartered, exchanged or offered for sale.
Central Tablelands An exclusion zone is established for Cowra Shire Council and Mid-Western Regional Council areas. A core infestation area is established for Upper Macquarie County Council (Bathurst Regional Council, Blayney Council, Lithgow Council and Oberon Council), Orange City Council and Cabonne Council areas.	Regional Recommended Measure* (for Regional Priority - Containment) Within exclusion zone: Land managers should mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land. Land managers should eradicate the plant from the land and keep the land free of the plant. A person should not deal with the plant, where dealings include but are not limited to buying, selling, growing, moving, carrying or releasing the plant. Notify local control authority if found. Within core infestation area: Land managers should mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land. Land managers should mitigate spread of the plant from their land. A person should not buy, sell, move, carry or release the plant into the environment. Land managers should reduce the impact of the plant on assets of high economic, environmental and/or social value.
Greater Sydney	Regional Recommended Measure* (for Regional Priority - Asset Protection) Land managers should mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land. Land managers should mitigate spread of the plant from their land. A person should not buy, sell, move, carry or release the plant into the environment.
Hunter An exclusion zone is established for all land in the region, except the core infestation which includes parts of: MidCoast Local Government Area, Upper Hunter Local Government Area.	Regional Recommended Measure* (for Regional Priority - Containment) Entire Hunter Local Land Services region: Land managers should mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land. Exclusion zone: Notify local control authority if found. Land managers should eradicate the plant from the land and keep the land free of the plant. A person should not deal with the plant, where dealings include but are not limited to buying, selling, growing, moving, carrying or releasing the plant. Core infestation: Land managers should mitigate spread of the plant from their land. A person should not buy, sell, move, carry or release the plant into the environment. Land managers should reduce the impact of the plant on assets of high economic, environmental and/or social value.
Murray Core infestation: Berrigan Shire Council, Greater Hume Council, Murray River Council, Federation Council, Snowy Valleys Council. Exclusion zone: Albury City Council, Edward River Council, Murrumbidgee Council.	Regional Recommended Measure* (for Regional Priority - Containment) Within exclusion zone: Land managers should mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land. Land managers should eradicate the plant from the land and keep the land free of the plant. A person should not deal with the plant, where dealings include but are not limited to buying, selling, growing, moving, carrying or releasing the plant. Notify local control authority if found. Within core infestation area: Land managers should mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land. Land managers should mitigate spread of the plant from their land. A person should not buy, sell, move, carry or release the plant into the environment. Land managers should reduce the impact of the plant on assets of high economic, environmental and/or social value.
North Coast	Regional Recommended Measure* (for Regional Priority - Eradication) Land managers should mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land. Land managers should eradicate the plant from the land and keep the land free of the plant. A person should not deal with the plant, where dealings include but are not limited to buying, selling, growing, moving, carrying or releasing the plant. Notify local control authority if found.
North West	Regional Recommended Measure* (for Regional Priority - Eradication) Land managers should mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land. Land managers should eradicate the plant from the land and keep the land free of the plant. A person should not deal with the plant, where dealings include but are not limited to buying, selling, growing, moving, carrying or releasing the plant. Notify local control authority if found.
Northern Tablelands	Regional Recommended Measure* (for Regional Priority - Eradication) Land managers should mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land. Land managers should eradicate the plant from the land and keep the land free of the plant. A person should not deal with the plant, where dealings include but are not limited to buying, selling, growing, moving, carrying or releasing the plant. Notify local control authority if found.
Riverina Core infestation areas: Snowy Valleys Council. Exclusion zone: All of Riverina except identified core infestation areas.	Regional Recommended Measure* (for Regional Priority - Containment) Within exclusion zone: Land managers should mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land. Land managers should eradicate the plant from the land and keep the land free of the plant. A person should not deal with the plant, where dealings include but are not limited to buying, selling, growing, moving, carrying or releasing the plant. Notify local control authority if found. Within core infestation area: Land managers should mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land. Land managers should mitigate spread of the plant from their land. A person should not buy, sell, move, carry or release the plant into the environment. Land managers should reduce the impact of the plant on assets of high economic, environmental and/or social value.
	*To see the Regional Strategic Weeds Management Plans containing demonstrated outcomes that fulfil the general biosecurity duty for this weed click here

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Reviewed 2026