Broom bush (Eremophila scoparia) in the Western Australian rangelands

Page last updated: Tuesday, 6 July 2021 - 3:30pm

Please note: This content may be out of date and is currently under review.

Broom bush (Eremophila scoparia) is one of many plant species found in the Western Australian rangelands.

This page provides a summary of the plant's value for pastoralism. Pastoral lessees and station managers can use this information to assess pasture condition and trend.

Indicator value

Broom bush is considered an increaser in the Goldfields where it can become weedy in degraded saltbush/bluebush country. It has no indicator value in the Murchison.

Forage value

Broom bush is occasionally grazed in the Goldfields when young (largely by goats) but it appears to be ungrazed in the Murchison. It is extremely drought resilient.

Habitat

Alkaline soils under gums (Goldfields), calcrete

General description

Broom bush is an erect shrub growing to 2.5m and branching densely from the base. The leaves appear cylindrical with a hooked point and are up to 2cm long and about 1mm wide. The flowers are lilac with purple spots in the throat; the stamens are enclosed in the flower tube. The fruit is pointed and about 5mm across.