Scotch Broom

Day 204: Although it is considered an invasive plant, non-native Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) provides a flush of unsurpassed beauty particularly to western Washington's prairie lands. It resembles Gorse (Ulex europaeus) in both growth habit and flower, but lacks the thorns which make Gorse famous.

Non-invasive species of Scotch Broom have been developed over the years and are now used in many freeway plantings, dwarf varieties being very popular among landscapers. The odor is heady and unmistakable, and the flowers may range from a pale cream to a pinkish-mahogany, or yellow with a dark mahogany eye.