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Scotch broom Facts

Scotch broom Facts
Scotch broom, also known as common broom, is deciduous shrub that belongs to the pea family. There are two subspecies of Scotch broom that originate from Europe and North Africa. These plants can be found all over the world today. Scotch broom grows on dry, sandy soil, exposed to direct sunlight, in areas with cool, temperate climate. It can be found in grasslands, woodlands and areas near the water. Scotch broom is classified as noxious weed in USA, Australia, New Zealand and India. It quickly occupies new areas, prevents growth of native plant species and re-forestation of cleared areas.
Interesting Scotch broom Facts:
Scotch broom is large shrub that can reach 6 to 10 feet in height. It produces numerous erect branches.
Scotch broom can thrive in nutrient-poor areas thanks to symbiosis with nitrogen fixing bacteria which live inside the root of this plant. Bacteria absorb atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into form that is available for plants. In return, Scotch broom provides food for bacteria.
Branches of Scotch broom are covered with small three-foliate, green leaves during the spring and summer.
Scotch broom develops numerous small, golden-yellow flowers that can be seen along entire stem. Flowers contain both types of reproductive organs (perfect flowers).
Scotch broom blooms from March to June. Flowers attract honey bees and bumblebees, which are responsible for the pollination of this species.
Fruit of Scotch broom are black pods filled with numerous seed. Fruit ripens during the late summer. Pod splits explosively (cracking of pod can be heard) and sends seed 20 feet away from the mother plant. Animals and water also play important role in spreading of seed in the wild.
Scotch broom can produce up to 10.000 seed per season. Scotch broom often grows in colonies. One square meter of dense thicket contains around 65.000 seed.
Seed retains ability to germinate for up to 80 years (it starts to germinate as soon as environmental conditions become favorable).
Seeds of Scotch broom are toxic for humans and livestock. They contain alkaloids which prevent normal functioning of cardiovascular and nervous system. Pollen of Scotch broom can trigger allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
Scotch broom is highly flammable. It facilitates spreading of fires in the wild.
People use various mechanical and chemical (pesticides) methods to eradicate Scotch broom from the occupied areas.
Twig-mining moth, psyllid and seed beetle are biological "weapons", used against Scotch broom (they destroy Scotch broom by eating different parts of this plant).
Scotch broom can be used to prevent erosion of the soil.
Scotch broom is cultivated in ornamental purposes in some areas. Moonlight, Andreanus, Firefly and Pendula are some of the most popular varieties of Scotch broom in horticulture.
Scotch broom is perennial plant (life span: more than 2 years).


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