I hesitated putting this image up. I did, in fact, start to post it as a goodnight flower and then removed it. This is Cytisus scoparius, also known as Scotch broom. It is a highly invasive species in California, and we despise it. I didn’t realize it came in different colors, having only recognized the very common yellow flowered shrub, when I shot this image, so I didn’t even know what I was shooting at the time (back in 2018 … Hah! I first typed 1918. I’m old, but not THAT old!); I was just enjoying the beauty of the plant.
So here’s the thing: invasive plants can still be beautiful. Should I admire that and go ahead and post them, or should I never allow them to show their lovely faces? I’m not sure!
Thoughts?
Cytisus scoparius (II), 5.17.18
If you want to see the multitude of invasive plants in California you can go here. Yes, Arundo donax, that beast of a plant that we use to make oboe reeds, is an invasive species here. Figures. (I have a hate-hate relationship with that stuff!) So is Brassica rapa (field mustard), Briza maxima (rattlesnake grass), Buddleja davidii (butterfly bush), Chasmanthe floribunda (African cornflag), Cortaderia selloana (pampasgrass), Digitalis purpurea (foxglove) and … a surprise to me since I was admiring it very much along the coast, Echium candicans (pride-of-Madeira). There are SO many more, too. What an education that page is.
In the past I posted, unbeknownst to me, an invasive plant and someone immediately wrote a rather hostile comment. I remember that every time I see the plant that person wrote about now. I tend to always remember when I’ve been reprimanded. So if you see that I’ve posted a “no-no” please just gently inform me. Pretty please?!
PS I think I am also an invasive species in California.
patricia emerson mitchell photography 