In The Garden: Gorse or Broom?

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by Richard E Masson, May 20, 2021.

  1. Richard E Masson

    Richard E Masson Active Member

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    Location:
    Edenbridge,Kent England
    Is the photo a variety of Broom or Gorse?
    Picture taken in Dundee, Scotland today.
    Any I D welcome.
    Thank you
    Regards
     

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  2. Georgia Strait

    Georgia Strait Generous Contributor

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    Hello from Vancouver BC Canada

    Either of those plants is considered a nuisance and invasive - here.

    I am thinking you took a photo of broom

    The difference is the leaves.

    Broom has little rounded leaves like I imagine mouse ears

    Gorse is coarse — it has sharp pointed leaves

    Here is a brochure PDF from our neighbors in Washington State USA
    https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/images/weeds/Gorse_factsheet_King.pdf

    I meant to add that @Acerholic is a forum contributor who is a good source of wild plant and tree ID in the UK
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 20, 2021
  3. Acerholic

    Acerholic Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society

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    Thanks Georgia. But your ID is perfect IMO.
     
  4. Georgia Strait

    Georgia Strait Generous Contributor

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    Is it invasive in UK ?
    (Either broom or gorse)

    Around this region - it seems to be the rare plant the pesky deer or other do NOT eat :(

    So humans band together in big volunteer groups and manually remove broom from where it has invaded native plant areas (conservation areas)

    I don’t know how it is properly disposed of - maybe it gets burned? I don’t know

    It is highly allergenic for humans (sneezing coughing - the usual)
    Gorse - Invasive Species Council of British Columbia

    Scotch Broom - Invasive Species Council of British Columbia
     
  5. Acerholic

    Acerholic Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society

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  6. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Common Broom Cytisus scoparius. Native here in Britain, so a good shrub to keep.
     
  7. Margot

    Margot Renowned Contributor 10 Years

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    . . . in Britain, where it belongs. It is not a good plant to keep in BC and especially not on Vancouver Island where it is a noxious, invasive, rampant and pernicious weed. Cytisus scoparius was deliberately introduced in the mid-19th century and has since spread all up and down the NA west coast. Just consider that mature plants (which can live for 25 years) can produce up to 3500 pods, each containing 5–12 seeds, and those seeds can survive in the soil for 30 years. Obviously we'll never be rid of it but try to contain it as much as possible.

    https://bcinvasives.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Scotch-Broom_Factsheet_10_04_2019.pdf
     
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  8. Georgia Strait

    Georgia Strait Generous Contributor

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    Indeed, it takes over —- it’s in bloom now and even in a corner (i migrate there for the shade and less humans :)

    of the mall supermarket parking - it takes over

    Probably well over 7 feet tall (2 m)

    I would not miss it.
     
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  9. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Yep, but note the OP is in Scotland, where it is native ;-)
     
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  10. Acerholic

    Acerholic Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society

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    And the roaming Highland cattle just love it.
     
  11. Margot

    Margot Renowned Contributor 10 Years

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    I wonder what it would take to import some of those roaming Highland cattle here? We need them badly!
     
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