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Cytisus scoparius

Species category

Weed

Common name

Scotch broom

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

OvalOval:
Broadly elliptic.
 to ovateOvate:
Egg-shaped with basal end the broadest.

Size

  • Length 4 mm
  • Width 3 mm
  • Thickness 2 mm

Color

Olive-brown to brown

Texture

Smooth

Other structures

A large funicular remnant (arilAril:
An outgrowth of the ovule or funiculus.
) is associated with the hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 which appears like a caruncleCaruncle:
An appendage or outgrowth of the outer integument of the seed, e.g. leafy spurge.
.

Identification notes

Seed with an arilAril:
An outgrowth of the ovule or funiculus.
 covering the hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 area, which is waxy and a lighter yellowish-white than the rest of the seed.

Noxious weed seed categories

State Noxious Weed: California, Montana, Hawaii, Utah

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Fabaceae

Valid name

Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link

Cytisus scoparius. Seeds with an aril covering the hilum area, which is waxy and a lighter, yellowish-white than the rest of the seed. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.
Cytisus scoparius. Seeds with an aril covering the hilum area, which is waxy and a lighter, yellowish-white than the rest of the seed. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.