Spanish Broom
Spartium junceum

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A deciduous shrub. It grows 2.5-3 m high and 2.2-3 m wide. The leaves are very small and spear shaped. The leaves fall off almost immediately and the green branches process sunlight. The flowers are pea-like. They are rich yellow. The fruit are seed pods. These are brownish-black. They are flat and split open when ripe.

There is only one Spartium species. It is cultivated for essential oils. It can be invasive.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It can tolerate light frosts. It can grow in dry places. It needs well-drained soils. It needs full sun. It is often on calcareous soils. In Argentina it grows below 500 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 6-9. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Albania, Algeria, Andes, Angola, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Canada, Canary Islands, Caucasus, Central Africa, Central Asia, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Europe, France, Greece, Guatemala, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Mediterranean (country/location of origin), Middle East, Morocco, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Pakistan, Palestine, Peru, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Sicily, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tasmania, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uruguay, USA, Yugoslavia

How it is used for food

The flowers are used to make liqueurs and other drinks.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Seeds, caution

How it is grown

It is fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Broom absolute, Ginesta, Navadna žuka, Retama macho, Weaver's Broom

Synonyms

Cytisus junceus (L.) Vuk.; Genista acutifolia Spach; and others