Broom burns

Cape Broom (Genista monspessulana) English Broom (Cytisus scoparius) Flax-Leaf Broom (Genista linifolia) Broom species are currently (August) in flower and can be easily identified this time of year infesting roadsides and bushland with their distinctive yellow pea flowers. It is highly flammable so thickets along roadsides and in native vegetation are an increasing fire hazard. By Christmas they form numerous hard seeds in pods and on a hot day pop the seeds out in their thousands. The seeds can last up to eighty years in soil. They are mainly spread through grading, slashing, water, and vehicle tyres. Broom can also be poisonous to stock. In South Gippsland these broom species are all classified noxious, regionally controlled which means it can not be sold or transported and landholders are expected to control and prevent its spread on their land. Brooms are native to scrub and open woodlands in the Mediterranean region, Europe, Portugal and the Azores. It was probably introduced to Australia as a garden or hedge plant and was widely planted last century. Once in infestation has taken hold it can potentially take up to twenty years to eliminate, so early detection is important. Small plants can be hand removed if the soil is soft enough, larger plants could be slashed before flowering and spray any re growth or foliar spray the whole plant with the registered chemical. Cut and paint with herbicide is also an option