(L.) L. Johnson
(L.) L. Johnson
French broom, Cape broom, Montpellier broom
- Genista monspessulana is a perennial leafy leguminous shrub that grows up to 9.8 ft. (3 m) tall. The main stem is grey and hairless.
- Leaves are alternate, three-foliate and petiolate 0.08-0.16 in. (2-4 mm) long. Leaflets are elliptic to obovate, often with a short point.
- Flowers are pedicellate and arranged in a series of lateral racemes of 3 to 7 flowers on indeterminate axillary branches. Pedicels are 0.06-0.12 in. (1.5-3 mm). Standard flower is 0.39-0.51 in. (10-13 mm). Flowers in late winter-spring to late summer-autumn.
- Fruit pods are densely hairy, ovoid to oblong, 0.6-1 in. (1.5-2.5 cm) long, 0.12-0.2 in. (3-5 mm) wide with 3 to 6 seeds released explosively when ripe. Seeds are strophiolate.
- Ecological Threat
- Genista monspessulana can be found in coastal plains, mountain slopes, riverbanks, road cuts, forest clear-cuts, grassland and open canopy forest on a wide range of soil types. It is native to the Mediterranean region.
- Zouhar, Kris. 2005. Genista monspessulana. Fire Effects Information System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory
- DiTomaso, J.M., G.B. Kyser et al. 2013. Weed Control in Natural Areas in the Western United States. Weed Research and Information Center, University of California. 544 pp.
- Global Invasive Species Database. 2011. Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) of the IUCN Species Survival Commission
- King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks Water and Land Resources Division
- Oregon Department of Agriculture Plant Programs, Noxious Weed Control
- Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board
- University of California, Jepson Flora Project
- California Invasive Plant Council
- USDA NRCS PLANTS
- USDA ARS GRIN
Images from Bugwood.org