On the east side of the W&OD gravel path, just north of the Dulles Toll Road bridge, is this rather strange plant that looks like it ought to be a grass of some sort, but is not (it has really short rather than long leaves).
A closer look at some recumbent branches. Note the quite small trifoliate leaves with entire leaflets. I believe this is Scotch broom (
Cytisus scoparius), which would make the brown structures seen in the image the remnants of burst seed-pods. Compare this
Virginia Tech fact sheet and this
Forestry Service description. If I am correct in this identification, then there should be bright yellow flowers next April to June, making it look similar to a forsythia.
Added by edit June 29, 2010: this did not bloom yellow. Instead, I now believe this is silky or Chinese bush clover (
Lespedeza cuneata).
