Scotch broom/Cytisus scoparius

[Cowboy_Ken]

Here in the PNW, Scotch Broom is an invasive plant. Bright, showy, yellow flowers in spring. The local wildlife browsers don't touch it. Anyone know about it in regard to tortoises?

 

[Yvonne G]

It is toxic to livestock.

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

And I'm sure it's toxic to deer and elk. But I'm curious about its toxicity to tortoises. Not trying to be a smart a$$, I just know some plants are toxic to mammals but not our chelonian friends.

 

[littleginsu]

Hope this helps!!

http://m.thetortoisetable.org.uk/m/plants_19.asp?catID=550

Common name : Broom (Common Broom, Spanish Broom, Scotch Broom, English Broom, French Broom)
Latin name : Cytisus; Genista, Chamaecytisus; Spartium
Family name : Fabaceae/Leguminosae (Pea Family)

Broom contains numerous alkaloids including cytosine, a stimulant of the respiratory tract which can be often lethal, glycosides, oxalates and tannins, so it’s not one to have anywhere near the tortoise enclosure.

Broom has been split into three genera and five smaller genera, and we have listed the four most common ones here.

Broom is a wild shrub and also cultivated for the garden.

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

Thank you. When I checked TTT it came up as “no information available". You're the bomb.

 

[littleginsu]

No problem, I am glad I could help.

I just Googled scotch broom, got the Latin name and then tried searching with that... and viola!!