Practical
Plants

Cytisus scoparius

Broom · Scotch Broom

a perennial woody deciduous member of the Cytisus genus in the family Leguminosae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Cytisus
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
deciduous
Woodiness
woody
Growth rate
vigorous
Height
2.4 m
Spread
1 m
Fertility
self sterile
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Poisonous[1][16][32]. The plant is of extremely low or zero toxicity[33].

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The flower buds are pickled and used as a substitute for capers[27][28][12][24]. They can also be added to salads[12]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. The tender green tops of the plant have been used like hops to give a bitter flavour to beer and to render it more intoxicating[27][12]. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute[18][27][5][12].

Product or use
Coffee
Product or use
Condiment
Plant part
Flowers

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Broom is a bitter narcotic herb that depresses the respiration and regulates heart action[22]. It acts upon the electrical conductivity of the heart, slowing and regulating the transmission of the impulses[25]. The young herbaceous tips of flowering shoots are cardiotonic, cathartic, diuretic, emetic and vasoconstrictor[27][6][21][28][8]. The seeds can also be used[27]. The plant is used internally in the treatment of heart complaints, and is especially used in conjunction with Convallaria majalis[22]. The plant is also strongly diuretic, stimulating urine production and thus countering fluid retention[25]. Since broom causes the muscles of the uterus to contract, it has been used to prevent blood loss after childbirth[25]. Use this herb with caution since large doses are likely to upset the stomach[27][21]. The composition of active ingredients in the plant is very changeable, this makes it rather unreliable medicinally and it is therefore rarely used[35]. This herb should not be prescribed to pregnant women or patients with high blood pressure[22]. Any treatment with this plant should only be carried out under expert supervision[35]. See also the notes above on toxicity. The young herbaceous tips of flowering shoots are harvested in spring, generally in May[27]. They can be used fresh or dried[27][22]. They should not be stored for more than 12 months since the medicinally active ingredients break down[22].

Product or use
Cardiotonic
Product or use
Cathartic
Product or use
Diuretic
Product or use
Emetic
Product or use
Vasoconstrictor

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

An excellent fibre is obtained from the bark, it is used in the manufacture of paper, cloth and nets[27][2][5]. It is not as strong as the fibre from the Spanish broom (Spartium junceum)[27]. The fibre is obtained from the root according to other reports[6][28]. The bark fibre is used to make paper, it is 2 - 9mm long[15]. The branches are harvested in late summer or autumn, the leaves removed and the stems steamed until the fibres can be stripped. The fibres are cooked for 3 hours in lye then put in a ball mill for 3 hours. The paper is pale tan in colour[15]. The bark is a good source of tannin[27]. A yellow and a brown dye are obtained from the bark[28]. A yellow dye is obtained from the flowering stem[9]. A green dye is obtained from the leaves and young tops[27]. The branches are used to make baskets, brushes, brooms and besoms[27][31][6][28][29][5]. They are also sometimes used for thatching roofs and as substitutes for reeds in making fences or screens[27]. An essential oil from the flowers is used in perfumery[30]. Growing well on dry banks and on steep slopes, it is an effective sand binder and soil stabiliser[27][3][28]. Broom is one of the first plant to colonize sand dunes by the coast[27]. The plant attracts insects away from nearby plants[7]. The var. prostratus (= C. scoparius maritimus?[20]) makes a good fast growing ground cover plant to 30cm tall, though it needs weeding in its first year[17]. The cultivar 'Andreanus Prostratus' can also be used[20]. Wood - very hard, beautifully veined[27]. The plant seldom reaches sufficient size for its wood to be of much value, but larger specimens are valued by cabinet makers and for veneer[27].

Product or use
Basketry
Product or use
Broom
Product or use
Dye
Product or use
Essential
Product or use
Fibre
Product or use
Paper
Product or use
Repellent
Product or use
Tannin
Product or use
Wood

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Environment

Range
Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south to Spain, east to Poland and Hungary.
Habitat
Sandy pastures and heaths, occasionally in open woodland, and often near the coast[27][10]. Strongly calcifuge[10].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 5+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
very acid, acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
high wind, maritime exposure, drought
Wind
Yes
Maritime
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
True
Drought
tolerant

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame[34]. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours in warm water then cold stratify for 1 month and sow in a cold frame[34]. The seed usually germinates in 4 weeks at 20°c[36][4]. Seedlings should be potted up as soon as possible since plants quickly become intolerant of root disturbance[14]. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late summer if they have made sufficient growth, otherwise in late spring of the following year[K]. The seed has a long viability[14]. Seed can also be sown in situ as soon as it is ripe in the late summer and autumn[27]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 4 - 7 cm with a heel, August in a frame[3]. Produces roots in the spring[3]. Pot up as soon as possible[3]. Cuttings of mature wood, October/November in a frame. Layering.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Succeeds in most soils, preferring a fairly good but not rich soil[3]. Prefers a poor well-drained soil[7]. Succeeds in slightly acid, neutral and limy soils but dislikes shallow soils over chalk[19]. Plants are strongly calcifuge according to other reports and intolerant of a pH much above 6.5[10][14]. Prefers a sunny position but tolerates some shade[3][7][10]. Plants succeed in exposed conditions, and are very tolerant of maritime exposure[4, K]. Plants have a deep root system, they are very drought tolerant once established and grow well on dry banks[27][3]. Tolerates a smoky atmosphere, growing well in polluted areas[14]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[13]. A number of named forms have been developed for their ornamental value[11]. New leaves are formed in April but these soon drop off the plant, photosynthesis being carried out by means of the green stems[14]. Very tolerant of cutting, it regenerates quickly from the base[14]. Plants are usually killed by fire but the seeds quickly germinate after the fire and rapidly become established[14]. A good bee plant and food plant for many caterpillars[23][26][28], it provides the food for the larvae of the green hairstreak butterfly[14]. Ants are attracted to the seeds, feeding on the juicy attachment that holds them to the pods and thus distributing the seed[14]. Dislikes root disturbance, especially when more than 20cm tall[3]. It is best to plant out into their permanent positions as early as possible. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[19].

References

  1. Altmann. H. Poisonous Plants and Animals. Chatto and Windus 1980-00-00 ISBN 0-7011-2526-8

    ↩

  2. Polunin. O. Flowers of Europe - A Field Guide. Oxford University Press 1969-00-00 ISBN 0192176218

    ↩

  3. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8

  4. Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009

    ↩

  5. Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain.

    ↩1↩2↩3

  6. Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn 1975-00-00 ISBN 0-600-33545-3

    ↩1↩2↩3

  7. Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press 1979-00-00 ISBN 0-87857-262-7

    ↩1↩2↩3

  8. Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism.

    ↩

  9. Buchanan. R. A Weavers Garden.

    ↩

  10. Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  11. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩

  12. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  13. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2

    ↩

  14. Beckett. G. and K. Planting Native Trees and Shrubs. Jarrold 1979-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8↩9

  15. Bell. L. A. Plant Fibres for Papermaking. Liliaceae Press 1988-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  16. Stary. F. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-600-35666-3

    ↩

  17. Royal Horticultural Society. Ground Cover Plants. Cassells. 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-304-31089-1

    ↩

  18. Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6

    ↩

  19. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2

  20. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

    ↩1↩2

  21. Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-553-23827-2

    ↩1↩2

  22. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  23. Baines. C. Making a Wildlife Garden.

    ↩

  24. Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30725-8

    ↩

  25. Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996-00-00 ISBN 9-780751-303148

    ↩1↩2↩3

  26. Carter D. Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe. Pan 1982-00-00 ISBN 0-330-26642-x

    ↩

  27. Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8↩9↩10↩11↩12↩13↩14↩15↩16↩17↩18↩19↩20↩21

  28. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7

  29. Harris. B. C. Eat the Weeds. Pivot Health 1973-00-00

    ↩

  30. Schery. R. W. Plants for Man.

    ↩

  31. Mabey. R. Plants with a Purpose. Fontana 1979-00-00 ISBN 0-00-635555-2

    ↩

  32. Frohne. D. and Pf�nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984-00-00 ISBN 0723408394

    ↩

  33. Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO 1984-00-00 ISBN 0112425291

    ↩

  34. McMillan-Browse. P. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. Grower Books 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-901361-21-6

    ↩1↩2

  35. Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-600-37216-2

    ↩1↩2

  36. Gordon. A. G. and Rowe. D. C. f. Seed Manual for Ornamental Trees and Shrubs.

    ↩

Edit this page