French Broom

French Broom (Geninsta monospessulana) was introduced to the San Francisco Bay Area in the mid-1800s. Initially used as an ornamental plant, French Broom ranks high on the invasive species list due to the amount of seeds it produces, along with its ability to grow back after being completely cut down. With its upright form and dense foliage, this plant easily outcompetes other native plants along roadsides and highways, literally dominating the area. The dead and dry branches are highly flammable, it poses a severe fire hazard. It is pollinated by native and nonnative insects.