Scotch broom

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 Scotch Broom a species of Brooms



Common Name

Broom

Common Broom

Spenesh Broom

Scots Broom

Yellow Broom

Botanical Name

Cytisus scoparius



Information


Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) is a perennial shrub that commonly grows in Europe. Scotch broom is also referred to as the "common broom." The plants grow in sunny areas in dry soil and can withstand acidic soil conditions. In Italian folklore, scotch broom was burned to stop witches. Scotch broom was a historical symbol of French king Charles VI.


Name Story


Scotch broom, English broom

Cytisus scoparius, is a perennial leguminous shrub that is native to western and central Europe. In Britain and Ireland, the standard name for the plant is broom, but this name is also used for other species of the Genisteae tribe. In other English-speaking countries, the most prevalent common name is Scotch broom or Scot's broom. Furthermore, it is known as an English broom in Australia. Moreover, it was brought to United States from the British Isles and central Europe to serve as an ornamental plant and erosion control. 


Interesting Facts


Scotch broom has several folklore associations. For example, when scotch broom produced a lot of flowers, it was considered to be a sign of plenty. In Italy, scotch broom was burned to ward off witches. In other places, it was used in bouquets at weddings to replace rosemary.


Symbolism


Humility, Neatness


Characteristics


Plant Type

Shrub


Lifespan

Perennial


Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer, Early winter.


Plant Height

3 to 10 feet

Spread

4 to 8 feet

Flower Size

0.6 to 0.8 inch

Habitat

Sandy pastures, heaths, near the coast

Flower Color

YellowRedOrangePink

Leaf Color

Green

Fruit Color

Black

Stem Color

Green



Conditions Requirement



Difficulty Rating

Scotch broom is super easy to take care of, with resistance to almost all pests and diseases. It is a perfect option for gardeners with brown thumbs.


Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun


Hardiness

-10 ℉


Hardiness Zones

10 to 12


Soil

Sand, Loam, Clay, Chalky, Acidic, Neutral, Slightly alkaline.



Care Guide



Water

Scotch broom can be damaged if it grows in waterlogged soils so it should never be overwatered. When it is newly planted it should be watered often enough to ensure that soil is always moist. After this, the plant should be able to derive all of its water requirements from rainfall, except in times of drought. The soil should be allowed to dry out completely before any supplemental watering.


Fertilization

Fertilization once every 2-3 months during the growing season.


Pruning

Trim the diseased, withered leaves once a month.


Planting Time

Spring, Fall


Harvest Time

Spring, Summer


Propagation

Cutting, Sowing


Potting Suggestions

Needs excellent drainage in pots.




Pests and Diseases


Honey fungus, waterlogging; broom gall mites


Scientific classification


Genus

Cytisus - Brooms

Family

Fabaceae - Legume, Pea, Bean

Order

Fabales - Legumes, milkworts and allies, Peas, beans and relatives

Class

Magnoliopsida - Dicotyledons, Dicots, Eudicots

Phylum

Tracheophyta - Vascular plants, Seed plants, Ferns, Tracheophytes..


Plant Distribution




Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported


Aggressive, opportunistic, and prolific are all words commonly used to describe the scotch broom. Just one plant can produce more than 20,000 seeds. These seeds can lie in wait in the soil for as long as 80 years (though there is some disagreement on this point, and some researchers claim it lasts 30 years). This prolific reproduction allows it to quickly and easily take over natural areas, forests, dunes, and disturbed lands. Its growth will push out local species and smother the seedlings of trees. Further, this is a plant that is highly flammable, making it more dangerous in areas with wildfires, and is toxic to most animals and to humans. It is native to Europe and North Africa and is classified as invasive in the United States..



Uses


Garden Use

Although in many areas it is considered invasive, scotch broom has some valuable uses in the garden. Where hardy, it can provide some winter foliage and color. Additionally, it is known for being useful on slopes or in poor, loose soil for erosion control. With similar uses, Heather, Shrub rose, and Ceanothus make good companion plants.

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