Genista monpessulana is an erect perennial shrub with clover shaped leaves with dense clusters of yellow pea flowers in spring and summer. It has 5 to eight hard seeds in flat silky pods which pop out up to 7m in summer. This is a serious weed in South Gippsland with the seed lasting up to 80 years in the soil. Establishes along roadsides and is spread by vehicles and slashing.
Manual control
Small seedlings can be removed by hand. Larger plants can be pulled out if soil is soft.
From SGLN’s 2017 weed guide.
Herbicides must be applied at the appropriate rate as specified on the label and all safety precautions followed. If chemical control is necessary near drainage lines or streams, use extreme caution as the effects on aquatic life can be devastating even in minute amounts. Always seek expert advice.
Chemical control notes from SGLN’s 2017 weed guide
September to December from flowering while it is actively growing. Spray with Grazon (ACUP required). Always check the herbicide label before use.
These notes are from 2017, and some information, particularly herbicide information, may be out of date. Please ask local suppliers and do your own research in selecting herbicides if choosing chemical control.
Family, origin, type, plant instead, control methods and the note above are from SGLN’s pocket guide Common weeds of South Gippsland (2026).
