Three parted leaf with simple margins. Showy, bright yellow legume like flowers. Abundant along the stems. Pea like pods that split open in late summer and eject the seed up to ten feet. A three year old plant produces up to 18,000 seeds per year.
Seeds remain viable in the soil for up to sixty years.
A deep, branched taproot. Scotch broom is very adapted to the maritime climate of western Washington. It favors infertile soils and will readily occupy disturbed sites. Interferes with the establihsment of forests and invades natural areas. Overruns pastures, utility corridors and roadsides increasing the maintenance costs of these operations.