Broom - Cytisus scoparius

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Broom - Cytisus scoparius
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature

Broom is a deciduous native shrub which produces masses of golden, pea-like flowers that open in May and June. It has arching stems, covered with very small, oblong, grey-green leaves. In the winter it is festooned in small grey-green hairy seed pods. It prefers a well-drained soil and once established does not like to be transplanted. Broom is a plant much favoured by flower arrangers for its beautiful flowers and arching stems and is an excellent pollen provider for bees.

The species name scoparius comes from the Latin scopa meaning a besom or broom. Its long branches, which are both slender and tough, made it ideal in the past for the making of sweeping brushes or brooms.

Animals

Blue tit, Brambling, Buff-tailed bumble bee, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Coal tit, Common carder bumble bee, Great tit, Greenfinch, Honey bee, Jay, Red mason bee, Red-tailed bumble bee, Redpoll, Reed bunting, White-tailed bumble bee, Wool-carder bee, Yellowhammer

Foliage	Green
Flower	Yellow, May to June
Moisture	(Dry)
Sunlight	(Full sun)
Origin	Native