Citizens asked to report Scotch broom blooms in May

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The Washington Invasive Species Council asks state residents to participate in the “census” of Scotch broom across the state.

Scotch broom is a yellow-flowered invasive species that crowds out native species by forming impenetrable strands and cause problems for grazing, farming, outdoor recreation and creates fire hazards. Large blooms can prevent or slow forest regeneration and harm streams and wetlands, as well as produce toxic compounds that can poison grazing animals.

While widespread and not likely to be fully eliminated from the entire state, action is being taken to remove Scotch broom from parks, roadsides, forests, riverbanks and other at-risk landscapes.

“Organizations like your local noxious weed control board can provide education and technical assistance so that you can efficiently and effectively manage Scotch broom on your property,” said Greg Haubrich, pest program manager at the Washington State Department of Agriculture. “In some instances, there also could be cost-share funding available from your local conservation district to remove your Scotch broom.”

People can participate in the “census” by identifying patches of Scotch broom, snapping a photo and uploading them to -invasivespecies.wa.gov/report-a-sighting/.

Be sure to get close enough that the plant can be identified, and include a description of the size of the patch and its location.