Spartium junceum

Spartium junceum_Spanish broom_JM DiTomaso
Photo: Joseph DiTomaso

Common names: Spanish broom

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 Rating: High?

CDFA Rating: -*?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Species ID Card

Invasive Species ID Card - To support field identification of early detection species, Cal-IPC has designed a set of Species ID cards that can be downloaded, printed double-sided, and trimmed to size.

Weed Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

Other Spartium junceum Information

  • Bugwood - National database from the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia.
  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Spartium junceum_seed pod_copyright2011_NealKramer
    Spartium junceum (Spanish broom) seed pod. Photo: &#169 2011 Neal Kramer
    Spartium junceum_flowers_copyright2007_NealKramer
    Spartium junceum (Spanish broom) flowers. Photo: &#169 2007 Neal Kramer
    Spartium junceum_growth habit_copyright2008_NealKramer
    Spartium junceum (Spanish broom) growth habit. Photo: &#169 2008 Neal Kramer