Canadian Forest Service Publications
Mechanisms of invasiveness of the exotic weed, Scotch broom, Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link, in British Columbia. 1996. Prasad, R.P.; Peterson, D.J. Pages 197-198 in P. Comeau and G. Harper, Compilers. Proceedings of the 1996 National Meeting of Expert Committee on Weeds, December 9-12, 1996, Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria, B.C., Canada. BC Ministry of Forests, Research Branch, Victoria, BC.
Year: 1996
Issued by: Pacific Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 4813
Language: English
Availability: Order paper copy (free)
Abstract
Scotch broom, Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link, is an exotic weed which poses a serious threat to forested and other landscapes in southwestern British Columbia. This exotic weed has several characteristics which promote its invasiveness and displacement of native plant species: reduced leaves, active stem photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, profuse seed production, rapid vertical growth, adaptability to various ecological niches, and lack of natural enemies. There is little data on the impact of broom on conifers in British Columbia. Therefore, two experimental sites were established on southern Vancouver Island to determine the nature and extent of invasiveness of Scotch broom in forested areas, and its impact on coniferous crop trees and other plant communities. Details and future prospects for investigation are discussed.