[GHS Wildflowers #11-20]

Pea Family

Open areas & areas disturbed by humans.

Characteristics:

1. Compound leaves, with3 thin clover-like leaflets.

2. Yellow-red, irregular-shaped flowers with 5 petals.

3. Scotchbroom is a shrub, between 2 to 6 feet in height.

4. Pods are like those of pea pods, but long, thin & hairy. The pods explode on hot days when the seeds are ripe to aid distribution of seeds.

5. Branches are stiff, angled in cross-section.

1. Leaves and pods are poisonous.

2. Branches used in Scotland as simple brooms.

3. Garden plant.

4. Scotch broom is a pesky weed that easily spreads in disturbed areas.

[GHS Wildflowers #11-20]