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| Identification |
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Genus
Cytisus
Species
scoparius
Variety
Cultivar
Common names
scotch broom
Family
FABACEAE
Specimen number
S13758
Data source
Allergy p281;DyePl p17;DyePl p60;Poison p108;Frgnt p121
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| Life cycle |
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Life form
Terrestrial
Life cycle
Woody perennial
Life span
5 - 20 years
Annual cycle
Depends on climate
Stature
Shrub
Growth form
Various
Growth habit
Not applicable
Overall height
3' - 10'
Overall spread
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| Climate |
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Sunshine
Various
Water
Various
Optimal soil texture
Various
Acceptable soil pH
Various
USDA hardiness
Not classified
AHS heat zones
Not classified
Sunset climate zones
Not classified
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| Garden |
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Suitable for gardens
no
Nursery
Unknown
Compost
no
Size at acquisition
Unknown
Garden location
Unknown
Garden notes
The flowers of Cytisus scoparius have a mildly honey scented aroma. The aerial parts of Scotch broom as well as the flowers have been used in traditional fabric dyeing. Yellow and yellow are common colors produced with this plant. Broom is used in Eire for dyeing. It is used in dyeing wool. When dyeing with this plant, alum is used as a mordant to fix the color to the fabric.
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| Special qualities |
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Tolerates drought
no
Tolerates high humidity
no
Tolerates seaside conditions
no
Insect resistant
no
Disease resistant
no
Deer resistant
no
Best uses
Symbiosis
Attracts butterflies
no
Attracts hummingbirds
no
Autumn foliage
no
Colorful berries
no
Desirable qualities
Other interest
Other interest color
Other interest period
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| Adverse factors |
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Common pests
Poisonous parts
Whole plant
Poisonous indications
It contains a cytisine alkaloid which causes abdominal pain and diarrhea and a sparteine alkaloid which causes cardiac irregularity.
Internal poison
no
Dermatologic poison
no
Livestock poison
yes
Mechanical injury
no
Hay fever pollen
Light
Hay fever season
Apr 01 - Jun 30
Adverse qualities
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| Herbal medicine |
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Medicinal properties
Medicinal parts
Has medicinal uses
no
Do not self-administer
no
Do no use if pregnant
no
Legally restricted
no
Toxicity precautions
Medicinal notes
This whole plant is toxic. Keep out of pastures and away from livestock grazing areas. It contains a cytisine alkaloid which causes abdominal pain and diarrhea and a sparteine alkaloid which causes cardiac irregularity. Although this plant is freely wind-pollinated, it shouldn't pose too much difficulty to the hay fever susceptible. April to June is the usual season for causing hay-fever problems.
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| Traditional uses |
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Parts used
Traditional uses
Contemporary uses
Fragrance
honey scented from a distance
Fragrance parts
Flowers
Fragrance intensity
Mild
Fragrance category
Honey
Dye parts
Aerial parts
Flowers
Dye color
yellow,pale green
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| Cultivation |
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Propagule
Various
Pollination method
Planting style
Crop spacing
Row spacing
Cold frame
Planting period
Harvesting period
Frost tolerance
Heat requirement
Fertilizer
Typical
Time to harvest
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| Nutrition |
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Is edible
no
Culinary uses
Nutritional value
Edible parts
Description of edible parts
Flavor / texture
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| Horticulture |
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Horticulture notes
Cytisus scoparius occurs throughout Pacific Coast. Scotch broom may have originated from Europe and Eire.
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| Herbarium |
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Tag needs printing
no
Collection notes
Cytisus scoparius is a woody perennial. Flowers: Scotch broom has single or paired flowers with a strongly curved style. The flowers are typically of a yellow color.
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Page 1482 of 4998
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