Genista linifolia is an erect woody shrub, light green slender leaves, smooth above and silky-white below. It has clusters of bright yellow pea-like flowers late spring – summer and then two to three seeds in flattened silky pods. Highly invasive bush on roadsides, pasture and bushland. Each plant can spit out up to 250,000 seeds in summer with and average life of 80 years on the soil.
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 using 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These notes are from 2017, and some information, particularly herbicide information, may be out of date.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).
