Prostrate Broom
Cytisus decumbens

Family: Leguminosae

What it is like

Cytisus decumbens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Central France to Albania and southern Italy, on open hillsides.

Native to Europe.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

Albania, Belgium, Finland, France, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 4

Nitrogen fixer. Groundcover. A reasonable groundcover shrub with a medium density. Invertebrates shelter: beneficial for insects and other arthropods. Nectary: provides nectar or pollen for beneficial insects. Container gardening. Erosion control.

Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

Ground Cover: Ground Cover

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

How it is grown

A flowering deciduous shrub with branching stems that are wiry and hairy leaves. Sun: Full Sun, Partial Shade. Soil Type: Sandy, Loamy. Soil Moisture: Dry, Moderate. Soil pH: 5.0 - 8.0. Drought: Tolerant. Root Type: Fibrous ShallowGrowth Rate: Moderate. Life Span: Short. Form: Prostrate. Texture: Medium. Fungal Types: Endomycorrhizal. Seasonal Interest: Spring-Summer. Notes: This plant needs good drainage but is tolerant of nutrient-poor soils. Fruit Type: Pod. Flower Color: Yellow. USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8. Flood: Sensitive.Salt: Intolerant. Soil Compaction: Intolerant. Cold Injury: Infrequent. Wind Storm Damage: Infrequent. Disease Issues: Minor. Insect/Pest Damage: Minor. Animal Damage: Deer. Bloom Time: Late Spring - Early Summer. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. A clumping mat former. Forming a dense prostrate carpet with a limited spread.

Propagating it:

Best place to grow:

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 5-8

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Can cause paralysis or death in extreme cases.

Invasive Species, Host Plant (cabi.org)

Its other names

Local names

Broom, Local Common Names: Norway: Krypgyvel. Sweden: Krypginst.

Synonyms

Genista pedunculata subsp. decumbens (Durande) Gams. Genista prostrata Lam. Spartium decumbens Durande.