Broom – Cytisus spp., Genista spp.

Common Name: Broom

Botanical Name: Cytisus spp., Genista spp., SY-tis-us, je-NIS-ta

Decorative Life: 7-10 days.

Flower Color: White, Yellow

Availability: Spring

For propagation purposes, C. pracox roots should be stored at 20F for best results, will be killed at 15F.

• Members of the Fabaceae or Leguminosae (pea) family.
• Native to Europe.
• Related species include clover, lupine, acacia, wisteria.

• Small pea-like flowers occur along green, leafless stems.
• Stems are 16-20 inches long.
• Plant is a woody shrub, classed as a dicotyledon, leaves not parallel veined.
• Flowers are fragrant.

34-36F, up to 5 days dry.

• From the Greek “kytisos”, the classic name for this class of shrubs.
• Species commonly used are Cytisus canariensis, C. monspessulanus (French broom), Genista hispanica (Spanish broom), C. scoparius (Scotch broom).
• Some species are troublesome weeds in areas where they have become naturalized.
• White species may be dyed pink or purple.
• One of relatively few plant species that can transform nitrogen from the atmosphere into a nitrogen form that plants can use as a fertilizer.