[Cal-IPC] Invasive: Genista monspessulana (French broom) is a perennial shrub (family Fabaceae) found in the Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada foothills, Transverse Ranges, Channel Islands and San Francisco Bay area. French broom was introduced as a landscape ornamental, along with Scotch and Spanish broom. French broom is an aggressive invader, forming dense stands that exclude native plants and wildlife. Broom is unpalatable to most livestock except goats, so it decreases rangeland value while increasing fire hazards. These leguminous plants produce copious amounts of seed, and may resprout from the root crown if cut or grazed. Cal-IPC Rating: High (link added by Mary Ann Machi)

[Wikipedia] Mediterranean native, Invasive, Noxious Weed: Genista monspessulana, commonly known as French broom, Montpellier broom,[1] or Cape broom (Australia), is a woody leguminous perennial shrub. The yellow-flowering bush is native to the Mediterranean region, and while it may still be commonly sold in some garden stores, it is considered an invasive plant in most places where it has been introduced.[2] It is a noxious weed on the western coast of the US and in parts of Australia. (link added by Mary Ann Machi)