Cytisus aka Broom

Taxonomy

Cytisus is a genus of about 50 species of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae. Native to open sites in Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, these shrubs are commonly called brooms. They belong to the subfamily Faboideae and the tribe Genisteae. Cytisus plants are known for their masses of brightly colored, pea-like flowers, which are often highly fragrant. Typically reaching a height of 1.5m, these deciduous shrubs have small, dark green leaves and bear deep red to pink flowers on loose, upright to arching stems in late spring and early summer. Cytisus displays rapid growth and adapts well to various soil and climate types. However, their lifespan is relatively short, lasting only 5 to 7 years, after which they must be replaced. Apart from their ornamental beauty, Cytisus sprigs are also utilized in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for extracting sparteine, a compound known for its heart-regulating properties.

Common names

Broom

How to care for Broom

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Broom due to its easy-going nature.

Lighting

Broom thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Broom.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.


More info:
Wikipedia