Witches Broom Shrub
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Scotch broom cystisus scoparius is an attractive shrub that rises to about 10 feet 3 m high with an open airy growth pattern.
Witches broom shrub. Pruning a scotch broom shrub must be done conservatively and at the correct season. Fungal infections typically appear in pine or cherry trees as well as blackberry bushes while witches broom in peach and black locusts is likely the result of a virus. Witch s broom or witches broom is a deformity in a woody plant typically a tree where the natural structure of the plant is changed. Also known as scotch broom this prolific bloomer makes an attractive choice for home gardeners who want a showy low maintenance shrub.
Witches brooms occur on a number of conifers and deciduous tree species. The stress results in a deformed mass of twigs and branches which appear broom like in appearance. A dense mass of shoots grows from a single point with the resulting structure resembling a broom or a bird s nest. Unfortunately scotch broom also spreads rapidly and may become invasive.
This includes deciduous trees and shrubs as well as conifers and evergreen varieties. In other cases they appear as a ball shaped dwarf plant growing in a tree. They are caused by a number of factors that result in a great proliferation of shoots with short internodes that can look like a bundle of twigs or witch s broom. Quite often the cause of the witches broom can be determined by the species of tree.
With its shrubby full growth drought resistance and brilliant yellow pealike flowers scotch broom cytisus scoparius sounds like a plant with plenty to recommend it to gardeners. Witches broom symptom of plant disease that occurs as an abnormal brushlike cluster of dwarfed weak shoots arising at or near the same point. Witches brooms may be caused by fungal viral or mycoplasma like organisms mlos. Broom plants such as scotch broom cytisus scoparius are common sights along highways in meadows and in disturbed areas.
It is sometimes caused by pathogens. Witches brooms are characterized by a proliferation of shoots growing close together. Witches broom is a symptom of stress found in woody plants mainly trees but also affects shrubs as well. Broom shrub plants may get 9 feet 2 5 m tall and produce some spectacular bloom displays in spring.
Despite the beauty of its bright yellow spring flowers it can easily look disheveled if not pruned correctly. The shoots are usually shorter stockier and have an upright but more compact growth habit than normal.