Horticulturists love its yellow blooming, but French broom (Genista monspessulana) is actually invasive in many countries. It’s a dangerous fire hazard, too! Here where this shrub is native to or invasive in, so you know whether to plant it or not.
| Native to | Southern Europe, Northern Africa |
|---|---|
| Invasive in | Australia, New Zealand, Portugal (but only the Azores islands), South America, United States, United Kingdom |
Well, obviously France is one of the sources, but it isn’t the only one. Actually, much of Europe is what Genista monspessulana calls home. Here is a map showing, in green, the areas where French broom is native to.
In other places, it’s likely to be invasive. Since it’s a prolific seeder, quite hardy, and resists drought, it’s likely to spread almost everywhere very fast.
The same shrub is a harmless part of the landscape in one country and a listed weed in another. Here is how its status changes from one region to the next, according to the reports gathered in this article.
| Region | Status there | How far it has spread |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Europe & Northern Africa | Native | Its natural home, around the Mediterranean |
| United Kingdom | Invasive | Crowds out the native Scotch broom |
| Portugal | Invasive on the islands only | A problem in the Azores, not on the mainland |
| United States | Invasive, on state watch lists | Reported along the West Coast so far |
| Canada | Invasive | Reported across the south-west of the country |
Outside its native Mediterranean range, treat any sighting as something to report rather than something to admire.
French broom is reported as an invasive plant in the British Isles and even in Portugal. This is because it’s competing with other native species of broom.
The University of Georgia specifically tracks sightings of French broom across the country. All reports are gathered and plotted in the map below. You can zoom in down to county level and see whether French broom appears in your area or not.
For now, it has only been reported along the West Coast.
Genista monspessulana has the common name “genêt à balais” in French. There are already reports of it throughout the southern-western portion of Canada.
While relations among French and Canadians best be well nurtured, against French broom there’s no need to show restraint!
States and counties maintain lists of weeds and noxious plants that stifle local plants out. French broom already appears on several of these. Here are US states that have French broom on their “watch list”.
If you notice neighbors or even garden stores offering French broom in your area, it’s a good idea to warn them (kindly!) of the risks related to the plant.
There are a few great shrubs you can plant that are equally beautiful and have the advantage of being native to the North American continent.
Aware of any local efforts to control French Broom? Do join it, they’re often fun. There are many passionate people to meet there, as well!
