This is easily the most noted noxious weed this time of year. It comes in numerous colors including white, red and yellow, yellow and white and just yellow. We all see it, sneeze at it and have many choice words for it, but what can we do about it?
This aggressive, rapid spreading plant can grow 3 feet in the first year. It can form dense impenetrable stands that degrade natural areas. It invades rapidly following logging, land clearing, and burning. It can form pure dense stands for miles along highway and country roads to crowd out native species and destroy wildlife habitat. These plants contain a volatile oil and are considered potential fire hazards, in fact one town in OR burnt to the ground due to scotch broom and its cousin gorse. They are also often an eye sore and can irritate many individuals’ allergies.
Controlling just one scotch broom plant can stop more than 500,000 seeds from being produced. As with many noxious weeds there is no “cure” that can be implemented in one year but rather a management plan needs to be created with realistic goals for removal. Scotch broom can be controlled and maintained in many sites with great success. You will need to address not only individual properties but community shared spaces.
You can do a weed pull in your neighborhood or just on your own property. If you need help contact your local school and see if students need volunteer hours or contact the local Boy Scout troop in your area. Weed wrenches are available from our office and can but are in great demand so make sure to call well in advance of needing one.
Happy weeding!
Dana
360-307-4242
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