The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
All other sections in this Literature Study Guide are owned and copyrighted by BookRags, Inc.
Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) is a member of the pea family that is native to southern Europe and northern Africa. It can grow up to 10 ft (3 m) in height. Scotch broom's yellow flowers are shaped like peas, and its leaves each have three leaflets.
During the 1800s, Scotch broom was introduced into the United States as an ornamental plant. In addition, people used the plant for sweeping and make beer and tea with the seeds. During the mid-1800s, Scotch broom was planted in the western United States to stabilize roads and prevent soil erosion. By the end of the twentieth century, the nonnative plant was classified as an invasive weed in the Pacific Northwest and in parts of the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Scotch broom is a hearty plant that grows quickly. Its seeds can last 80 years. Thick fields of Scotch broom can crowd out vegetation that is native to an area. Spread of the plant can reduce the amount of grazing habitat for animals. Broom can block pathways used by wildlife. In addition, broom can be a fire hazard.
Methods of controlling the spread of Scotch broom include removing the plant by its roots, spraying herbicide, and controlled burning to destroy seeds.