Cytisus scoparius Scorecard

Species:  Cytisus scoparius

Common Name:  Scotch broom

Scorecard created on
Last Updated on

Results

Impact Total:18 / 35Impact = ( Spread + Damage - Benefit )

Ability to Respond Total:13 / 25Ability to Respond = ( Ease of Response + Tools in Place )

Confidence:High

Confidence Notes:

Impact

SpreadNotesScore
Spread RateSpreads rapidly (Bossard).5
Spread AmountInvades most habitats (Bossard), limited to 1200m in elevation (DiTomaso).5
DamageNotesScore
EcologicalShades out herbaceous vegetation, nitrogen fixing, increase fire intensity and frequency of canopy fires, toxic to ungulates, reduces forage for wildlife (Cal-IPC).5
AgriculturalToxic to ungulates (Cal-IPC).2
Infrastructure3
Cultural0
HealthMore frequent wildfires pose air quality health risks (Schierenbeck, pers obs).2
BenefitNotesScore
Ecological0
AgriculturalPopular ornamental plant (Conser, pers obs).3
Infrastructure0
CulturalGardeners love the frequently blooming yellow flowers (Conser, pers obs).1
Health0
Total18

Ability to Respond

Ease of ResponseNotesScore
DetectionEasy to detect mature plants, seedlings and seedbank can be difficult to detect (Cal-IPC).3
ControlEstablished populations difficult to eliminate because of large, long-lived seedbanks typically accumulate (DiTomaso).3
Tools in PlaceNotesScore
EntryCDFA-C rated pest, but likely still sold in the hort industry2
ControlLocal mandates in some areas.2
OutreachOutreach through Cal-IPC and CDFA amd also extension publicaitons.3
Total13

References