French broom is a perennial, woody, evergreen shrub that can reach up to 10’ tall. It has bright-yellow, pea-like flowers that bloom from March to May, forming ¼”–1 ¼”-long hairy, pea-like seedpods. Common along roadways, disturbed sites, and habitat edges throughout Mendocino County.

Size: 3’–10’ tall, up to 10’ wide

Stem: ridged, with fine hairs

Foliage: evergreen, abundant leaflets of 1–3 (usually 3) leaves, each less than 1” long

Flowers: bright-yellow, pea-like flowers, 4–10 per cluster; blooms March–May

Fruit: pea-like seedpods ¼”–1 ¼” long, hairy, brown, and slightly flattened when mature

Learn more about French broom from the California Invasive Plant Council