Broom
Cytisus scoparius

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 3 m high and spreads 2 m wide. The stem is slender and erect. The branches arch over. The leaves have 3 leaflets. The flowers are yellow and pea shaped. They can be single or in pairs.

Caution. Not Spanish broom Spartium junceum which is poisonous. Broom is a serious weed.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. It is best in a light to medium slightly acidic soil. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to drought and frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Asia, Australia, Britain (country/location of origin), Canada, Chile, Denmark, Europe, Falklands, France, Hawaii, Ireland, Korea, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Portugal, South America, Spain, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The buds can be pickled. They are used as a substitute for capers. The flowers have also been used to give a slight bitter taste to beer in place of hops.

Edible parts

Flower buds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Retama, Scotch broom

Synonyms

Sarothamnus bourgaei Boiss.; Sarothamnus oxyphyllus Boiss.; Sarothamnus scroparius (L.) W. D. J. Koch; Sarothamnus vulgaris Wimm.; Sarothamnus scoparium L.;