MOFD urges residents to remove invasive French Broom in the spring when while soil conditions are moist and before the plants can produce new seeds.

French broom (Genista monspessulana), is a non-native, invasive plant species that is hazardous and should not be planted in a wildland urban interface zone. Native to the Mediterranean region, this shrub was introduced to California in the 19th century as an ornamental plant. However, it has since become a serious threat to the native flora and fauna in our area.

French broom is worth removing for several reasons. First, it is a fast-growing shrub that can quickly dominate an area, forming dense stands that out compete native vegetation. This can lead to a loss of biodiversity and alter the ecosystem's structure and function. Second, French broom is highly flammable and its accumulation can increase fire risk in wildland urban interface zone. This can result in devastating wildfires that pose a threat to life and property. In addition, French broom is a prolific seed producer and its seeds can remain viable in the soil for decades, allowing it to persist and spread over time.

The preferred control method is pulling young plants. This is easy to do in the spring when the soil is moist. Cutting broom plants is less desirable because they re-sprout from the remaining root crown and are thereafter almost impossible to pull. The fire district has a “broom puller” lending program that can be used for larger plants and community broom pulling events.

If you’d like to borrow a puller please complete the online request form.  

MOFD’s Broom Pullers!	Broom encroaching along San Pablo Dam Road near Orinda