Genista monspessulana

Genista monspessulana_French broom_JM DiTomaso
Photo: Joseph DiTomaso

Synonyms: Cytisus monpsessulana, C. racemosus, C. canariensis, Gensita monspessulana, Teline monspessulana

Common names: French broom; soft broom; canary broom; Montepellier broom

Genista monspessulana (French broom) is a perennial shrub (family Fabaceae) from the Mediterranean region and the Azores that was introduced as an ornamental along with Scotch and Spanish broom. In California, it now occurs across the state, including the Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada foothills, Transverse Ranges, Channel Islands and San Francisco Bay area. French broom is an aggressive invader, forming dense stands that exclude native plants and wildlife. It is unpalatable to most livestock except goats and increases fire hazard by increasing ladder fuels. Plants produce copious amounts of long-lived seed that sprout with soil disturbance. Plants may also resprout from their root crown if cut or grazed.

Cal-IPC Rating: High?

CDFA Rating: C*?

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 Genista monspessulana 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

    Genista monspessulana_French broom_Bob Case_cropped
    Genista monspessulana (French broom) leaves, fruits, flowers. Photo: Bob Case
    Genista monspessulana_leaves and stem_copyright 2008_NealKramer
    Genista monspessulana (French broom) leaves and stem. Photo: &#169 2008 Neal Kramer
    Genista monspessulana_mature plant with taproot_copyright 2009_NealKramer
    Genista monspessulana (French broom) mature plant with taproot. Photo: &#169 2009 Neal Kramer
    Genista monspessulana_seedling_copyright 2009_NealKramer
    Genista monspessulana (French broom) seedlings. Photo: &#169 2009 Neal Kramer