That pretty yellow Scotch broom seems to be everywhere.
It is a noxious invasive species in the Pacific Northwest and the time to get rid of it is right now, while it is in bloom.
If you have some on your property, immediately pull it out or cut the main stem at the ground line or right below and pull out any small broom plants.
That is not too difficult.
You can even let the whole plant lay there to rot over this year.
If the seeds have not ripened, they will not grow any new plants.
If you have old seeds in the ground they may sprout, so please watch for new sprouts and remove these as they appear.
Scotch broom foliage causes digestive disorders in horses and cattle and seeds are toxic to them, according to the state Noxious Weed Control Board website.
Broom is also very flammable and spreads easily.
It chokes out native species, including seedling trees.
We do not want any around.
Please do your part in eliminating Scotch broom.
Charlotte Patterson,
Port Angeles