Identification and characteristics
Both species of broom are erect, semi-woody, much branched shrubs 2-3 metres tall at maturity.
The leaves are trifoliate with the central leaflet being longer than the outer two leaflets. In English broom they are readily deciduous and much of the stems may be bare of leaves. With Canary broom they are always attached to the stems by stalks (petioles) whereas those of English broom may lack petioles, especially on the upper part of the stems.
The flowers of Canary broom are carried on short lateral branches singley and in clusters of 3-7 flowers while the flowers of English broom are usually axillary (arising from the angle between leaf and stem) and solitary. In both species the flowers are bright yellow, although the lower petals of English broom may be brownish-red.
Both brooms produce seed in pods which on maturity, while still attached to the parent plant open explosively to eject the seed. Seed pods of English broom are 4-5 cm long, dark brown or black, with brown hairs along the margins. They contain 6-18 yellow seeds. Pods of Canary broom are 2-2.5 cm long, covered in fine hairs and contain 5-8 black seeds.
English broom normally flowers in late spring while Canary broom flowers from late winter to late spring.
Brooms spread solely by seed. The bursting pods can spread seed for 1-2 metres from the parent plant and infestations can increase rapidly through this process. Seed is also spread by farm machinery, animals and earth moving equipment.
 Distribtion
English broom is native to western and central Europe while Canary broom orginates from the Mediterranean region. Both species were probably introduced into Australia as hedging and ornamental plants but escaped from cultivation to become naturalised over much of south-eastern Australia.
In New South Wales, Canary broom is a significant weed of semi-improved pasture on the coast and tablelands. However, in Tasmania, English broom is the more common species, occuring throughout the settled areas of the State in a wide range of habitats. Plants are locally abundant on roadsides, waste areas, poor quality pastures and disturbed bushland, in environments ranging from the high rainfall West Coast to the lower rainfall Derwent Valley.
Deleterious Properties
In pastures, brooms may form thickets that prevent grazing on infested areas. As mature bushes are relatively unpalatable to sheep and cattle, their presence represents a loss of grazing area.
Brooms contain alkaloids which are potentially toxic to stock. However, the concentration of these toxins is low and no cases of stock losses from eating broom are known.
Dense thickets of broom provide cover for rabbits and inhibit access to bushland and recreational areas. In bushland, brooms may smother seedling and low growing native species while on roadsides, they reduce drivers' vision and increase road maintenance costs.
Note: we are gathering more material for this page, control recommendations and management plans will be included - add a bookmark and call back again.
 
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