Portuguese broom (Cytisus striatus)
ODA rating: B and T
Other common names
striated broom and hairy-fruited broom.
Description
Perennial; blooms April to June. Grows 3 to 10 ft tall. Evergreen shrub similar to Scotch broom except pods inflated and hairy all over, giving appearance of pussy willow buds. Stems more silvery, but difficult to distinguish until leaves and flowers fall off.
Impacts
Portuguese broom is similar to Scotch broom in growth form except for two major differences: it grows much larger and lives longer. Infestations in Douglas county Oregon are highly competative in commercial timberland with the canopies of individual plants reaching almost 20' across.
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Images courtesy of Glenn Miller, Oregon Dept. of Agriculture
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If images are downloaded and used from the ODA web site please be sure to credit the photographer.
Introduction
Native to Europe, Portuguese broom was introduced to North America for landscaping and soil stabilization uses. Infestations occur in Douglas and Lane counties, Oregon. Escapees from cultivation will be prolific in savannahs, scrubs, and open forest.
Distribution in Oregon
Infestations are limited to two Oregon Counties: Douglas and Lane. The first known site was noted in Lane County in 1982.
Red = abundant; Yellow = limited distribution; Gray = not known to be present
Biological controls
Approved biocontrol agents have not been found to be effective in control of this plant due to its limited distribution and the presence of a parasitic wasp that feeds on it.
Informational Links
WeedMapper
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