Spartium junceum (Spanish broom)

Spartium junceum

Photo courtesy Joseph DiTomaso

Spartium junceum (Spanish broom) is a deciduous shrub (family Fabaceae) found throughout the western part of California. Spanish broom was introduced as a landscape ornamental and was planted along highways to prevent soil erosion. It may grow into monospecific stands, excluding native species. Broom is unpalatable to most livestock except goats, so it decreases rangeland value, while increasing fire hazards. These leguminous plants produce copious amounts of seed, and may resprout from the root crown if cut or grazed.

Cal-IPC Inventory rating: High

Cal-IPC Resources on Spartium junceum

• California Invasive Plant Inventory Assessment Form (pdf) - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.
• Species account from Invasive Plants of California's Wildlands - Includes biology and management information.
• Cal-IPC News - Articles from our quarterly newsletter. Each issue is available as a pdf. List of articles on Spartium junceum.
• Cal-IPC Symposium Proceedings - Presentations and papers from our annual Symposium. List of articles on Spartium junceum.
• Weed Worker's Handbook (pdf) - Includes reproduction factors and treatment options.
• California distribution map - Maps based on survey data from county Weed Management Areas. These maps are the product of those working in the field and are not intended to be definitive.
• Don't Plant a Pest! - Select your region to find non-invasive alternatives to ornamental species. Also see our statewide brochure on trees.

Cal-IPC News Articles

• Smith-Peters, L. (2009). Hands-on learning in Chico. Cal-IPC News. 17: 8.
• (2006). Recommended action on invasive ornamentals. Cal-IPC News. 14: 10.
• Connick, S. and M. Gerel (2005). Don't sell a pest: A new partnership to prevent plant invasions through horticulture. Cal-IPC News. 13: 4-5,14.
• Neill, B. and T. A. Angeles (2005). The basal bark method of applying triclopyr herbicide. Cal-IPC News. 13: 8-9.

Cal-IPC Symposium Proceedings

• Archbald, G. (1998). Mechanical control methods: beyond weed bashing. California Exotic Pest Plant Council Symposium '98. Ontario, CA.
• Connick, S. and M. Gerel (2004). Partnering to prevent invasions of plants of horticultural origin. California Invasive Plant Council Symposium 2004. Ventura, CA.

Other Resources on Spartium junceum

• USDA PLANTS database - Federal database with information on identification and distribution, and links to websites in individual states.
• Jepson Online Interchange for California Flora - Information on taxonomy, biology, and distribution from the UC Berkeley Jepson Herbarium.
• CalFlora - Distribution information by county based on submitted observations and herbarium specimens.
• CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.

Printer-friendly version