Scotch Broom Bloom

This time of year you really notice how prevalent Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) is along Western Washington’s county roads and rural highways (see photo). The invasive species is in full mustard-colored bloom everywhere and lines State Route 3 almost continuously from Bremerton to Belfair. The land bordering Route 3 has been logged extensively. Scotch broom thrives in the resulting sunny open areas.

For a plant with no friends, it’s probably not the best strategy to be so easy to spot. Not that the aggressive shrub is worried—once the roots are established it can be as tough to eradicate as kudzu. I’m just glad I’m not prone to pollen-borne allergies.