Coastal Sp. Towhee (Iona) -02
Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) rides the Broom at Iona Beach, Richmond, BC atop Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius)
A note on Broom and/or gorse in BC:
from www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/publications/00042/Broom-Gorse.pdf :
"Broom, an erect deciduous shrub, and gorse, a similar evergreen shrub with spines, were introduced to British Columbia many years ago. These species have now spread to become competitors with crop trees on some forest sites.
The authors found that broom has become a serious concern in some plantations in the Duncan Forest District on Vancouver Island. Gorse is found in association with broom, primarily as a roadside species in the same area. Broom is perceived as a potential threat to the integrity of several unique ecosystems on southern Vancouver Island, while gorse may be a fire hazard where it is concentrated on dry sites within this area. Broom has also been found on roadsides in the West Kootenays of the British Columbia interior where it appears to be only margin- ally suited to the more severe climate. These species are not present in significant numbers in other areas of the province. [IONA IS A SIGNIFICANT EXCEPTION. ~KAR]
Both species are aggressive colonizers, able to fix nitrogen and produce prolific seed crops. These seeds can be banked in the soil for decades. Although both species depend on disturbance for establishment and rejuvenation of existing stands, outside British Columbia gorse has shown the potential to capture an entire site for much longer than broom. Due to its spiny nature, extensive gorse cover also has the potential to make a site virtually inaccessible to forestry workers and the public.
Experience in New Zealand, where broom and gorse appear to be much more aggressive, suggests that control of these species can be difficult."
Coastal Sp. Towhee (Iona) -02
Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) rides the Broom at Iona Beach, Richmond, BC atop Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius)
A note on Broom and/or gorse in BC:
from www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/publications/00042/Broom-Gorse.pdf :
"Broom, an erect deciduous shrub, and gorse, a similar evergreen shrub with spines, were introduced to British Columbia many years ago. These species have now spread to become competitors with crop trees on some forest sites.
The authors found that broom has become a serious concern in some plantations in the Duncan Forest District on Vancouver Island. Gorse is found in association with broom, primarily as a roadside species in the same area. Broom is perceived as a potential threat to the integrity of several unique ecosystems on southern Vancouver Island, while gorse may be a fire hazard where it is concentrated on dry sites within this area. Broom has also been found on roadsides in the West Kootenays of the British Columbia interior where it appears to be only margin- ally suited to the more severe climate. These species are not present in significant numbers in other areas of the province. [IONA IS A SIGNIFICANT EXCEPTION. ~KAR]
Both species are aggressive colonizers, able to fix nitrogen and produce prolific seed crops. These seeds can be banked in the soil for decades. Although both species depend on disturbance for establishment and rejuvenation of existing stands, outside British Columbia gorse has shown the potential to capture an entire site for much longer than broom. Due to its spiny nature, extensive gorse cover also has the potential to make a site virtually inaccessible to forestry workers and the public.
Experience in New Zealand, where broom and gorse appear to be much more aggressive, suggests that control of these species can be difficult."