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Key identifying traits
A woody shrub up to 10 feet tall
Classic legume flowers are showy, yellow and abundant
Leaves mostly three parted with small, rounded leaflets
Forms pods that are flattened, brown or black, with white hair
on the margins
Erect branches are angled and dark green
Winter stems are bare of leaves, but usually
remain bright green
Biology and ecology
- An aggressive, deciduous, perennial shrub
- Often started as an ornamental
- A problem in pastures, forests, wasteland and roadsides
- Common pest in western WA and OR very limited infestations
east of the Cascades
- Dry mature pods are often heard "popping" as they
split and eject seeds several feet
- Seeds remain viable in the soil for many years
Control
Prevention –
Learn to identify plants; know your property; beware of
contaminated logging equipment especially from west of the
Cascades
Biological – A few identified in western Washington
Cultural – Good
ground cover and seeding of disturbed areas helps but doesn’t
block infestations
Mechanical – Digging is very effective on smaller patches
if sufficient root is removed and diligent follow up is used to
pull or dig seedlings
Chemical – Several effective at label rates; must
exercise care near trees to avoid damage; timing varies greatly
with type of chemical;
refer to the
PNW Weed Management Handbook for specific chemical recommendations |
flowers and pods
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