Hello, thank you for your report. Unfortunately, no positive ID can be made without at least one picture. Scotch broom is pretty widespread NW Oregon so that is likely what it is. However, it doesn't flower in January (the time you reported it). On the other hand, the related plant, gorse, does flower January-March. Gorse is a high-priority plant. Since gorse and Scotch broom both have yellow flowers, seed pods, etc. having pictures would really help in this case.

Wyatt Williams
April 11, 2024, 3:41 a.m.