Have you noticed bright yellow flowers popping up along roadsides or paddocks lately? That could be Cape broom, and while it looks cheerful, it’s a serious problem for our local environment.
Cape broom is an eradication species in the Uralla Shire, which means we’re working hard to remove it completely. Right now, it’s in full flower, so this is the perfect time to spot it. The plant has pea-shaped yellow flowers and trifoliate (three-part) hairy leaves. But be careful, there are native species that look similar. If you think you’ve found Cape broom, please let us know the location so we can confirm it and take action.
This plant was once sold in nurseries, but it’s now illegal to sell or distribute in NSW. Unfortunately, some sellers still try to market it under different names, which makes community awareness even more important.
We’re currently running an extensive program to break the cycle of seeding by making sure no plants produce flowers or seeds this year. Cape broom starts flowering after about two years, so controlling it now is critical.
If you’d like to learn more or see more photos for identification, read more at NSW WeedWise. And if you spot something you think might be Cape broom, please report it to us so we can help by phoning 02 6778 6300 or emailing us at council@uralla.nsw.gov.au
Early Spring is the Season of the Pea
Early spring sees the flowering of many of the members of the Fabacae plant family, commonly known as legumes or peas and is the third largest plant family in the world. An important feature of this plant family is the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, into soil nitrogen through association with root bacteria, giving them the ability to thrive in relatively poor soils. The family is divided into two sub families, Mimosoideae which includes Acacias (wattles) and Faboideae which include the typical pea flowers.
There are many native pea flowers including Hardenbergia, Hovea, Davesia, Indigofera, Jacksonia, Dillwynia and Pultenaea, ranging from climbers, groundcovers to small shrubs and small trees. Flower colours range from purple, pinks through to yellows and oranges.
The pea family also include some weedy species, typically flowering in spring including environmental weeds such as the brooms (Cape, Scotch, Spanish broom), gorse, black locust tree, honey locust tree and lawn weeds such as medics and clovers. For more information, or assistance with identification control the weeds team.
Upcoming Weeds Control Works
Upcoming weeds control works planned for the following month or two include council roadside control of Broom, African lovegrass, Chilian needlegrass, Hawthorn and St Johns wort on a risk assessment basis, as well as weed control in gravel stockpiles.