| Photo Information |
Copyright: Doreen Fish (dloyst)
![Silver Note Writer [C: 3 W: 0 N: 12]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/n-n-s.gif) (54) |
| Genre: Plants |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2008-05-31 |
| Categories: Flowers |
| Exposure: f/4.5, 1/640 seconds |
| More Photo Info: [view] |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Date Submitted: 2008-06-03 8:13 |
| Viewed: 489 |
| Points: 0 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
| Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) is native to the Mediterranean areas of Europe. It was intentionally introduced to B.C. in 1850 by Captain Walter Grant who planted broom at his farm on Vancouver Island. Regrettably, few realized the invasiveness of this perennial as it quickly spread up the east coast of Vancouver Island before invading the Gulf Islands and mainland. Humans encouraged its continued spread as highway departments planted Scotch broom as a bank stabilizer because of its deep root structure and rapid growth. Nowadays, Scotch broom can be spotted with its brilliant yellow flowers in open areas such as roadsides, power lines, and natural meadows. This weed is a strong competitor with various native plants including those within declining Garry oak ecosystems as well as newly planted coniferous forests. It competes with native species for available light, moisture and nutrients, especially on disturbed sites. So far there are no known natural predators for this weed, therefore allowing it to spread throughout southern B.C. and other parts of North America. It does particularly well in recently disturbed areas, and for this reason it continues to increase in areas of Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland where land development is intensive. Despite these detriments, Scotch broom is quite spectacular with its striking array of bright yellow flowers in spring. |
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