![]() ![]() It didn’t take very long for Scotch broom to become an international superstar pest. ![]() It probably seemed like a great idea at the time. In the early 1900’s, broom was planted to prevent soil erosion along Pacific Coast highways. It is native to much of Europe and Africa where natural predators for the plant evolved. In addition, Scotch Broom roots host nitrogen-fixing bacteria which help the plant colonize nutrient-poor soils. Utility functions included hair rinse, leather tanning, sweeping brooms, thatched roofs, rope, beer flavoring, yellow dye, and a substitute for hops, capers, and coffee. Modern medicines provide safer alternatives): Heart problems Medical ailments treated included ( Note: This weed is poisonous. But, broom may have been imported for its wide variety of medical and utility functions. History indicates that broom was imported as domestic sheep fodder. Scotch Broom was introduced in the US in the early 1800s. OK I made up the evil part, but the more you know about Scotch Broom the more you might agree. Scotch Broom is a perennial shrub with lovely yellow pea-like flowers, dark green stems, and evil on its mind. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |