The Scotch Broom is Blooming

Scotch Broom! This time of year this invasive shrub is in full bloom. It is really pretty, but also very annoying. It was originally brought to Western WA as an ornamental shrub. I can see why, because it is so pretty. BUT, it is also so happy with our climate, soil and other qualities that it has spread everywhere. It doesn't spread all that fast, but it is very, very persistent. Birds and ants spread it by the seeds. It crowds out other plants, and can become a serious fire hazard.

Some people hire a herd of goats to go to work on it, and clean it out. Goats would rather eat blackberry plants, but they will eat Scotch Broom if they don't have much other brush to eat. It is better to tackle it by being just as persistent in cutting it down over and over again, until it finally gives up. Of course, you can also use certain herbicides against it.

It's too bad that Scotch Broom has become the enemy, because I still think it is really pretty this time of year. If you are in the market for vacant land, it is good to look at it this time of year, because you will spot the Scotch Broom easily.