Genista sagittalis aka Winged Greenweed

Genista sagittalis is a low, deciduous shrub in the pea family. Gardeners call it winged broom or arrow-jointed broom. Its native range spans west-central and southern Europe to northwestern Türkiye. It grows in temperate regions and is not native to Britain or Ireland. The name Chamaespartium sagittale is a synonym for this species. Its low form sets it apart from taller broom shrubs.

Plants reach about 0.3–0.5 feet [0.1–0.15 metres] tall. They spread slowly into a thick mat of stems and leaves. A mature mat can span about 3 feet [0.91 metres]. RHS gives a broader height band up to 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Its spread band reaches 3.3 feet [1 metre]. The green stems have slight hairs and flat wings along their length. Small, narrow green leaves grow at the stem joints. These leaves are sparse, leaving the winged stems easy to see. The plant loses its leaves for winter.

Bright yellow flowers form clusters at the ends of upright stems. Each flower measures about 0.03 feet [0.01 metres] long. Missouri Botanical Garden lists flowering from May through July. RHS describes the season as early summer. The blooms provide a clear show above the low mat. Plants For A Future lists nectar or pollen for helpful insects. It also notes that the plant shelters insects and other arthropods. The same source lists it as a nitrogen fixer.

Grow this broom in full sun and soil that drains well. Light soil suits it, including sand, loam, and chalk. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Poor soil and shallow, rocky ground need not rule it out. It tolerates dry conditions but also grows with moderate moisture. Avoid heavy soil that stays waterlogged. Missouri Botanical Garden gives USDA zones 4–9; RHS rates it H5. Use it as low ground cover in rock or alpine gardens. It also suits gravel gardens, slopes, and border edges. Care needs are low, but do not prune into old wood.

Missouri Botanical Garden reports no major pest or disease problems. Aphids can still cause trouble, and RHS also lists gall mites. Honey fungus may affect plants where the fungus is present. RHS notes that the degree of risk remains unclear. Plants For A Future records no known food or medicinal uses. It lists no known hazards, but this does not establish edible use. That source also reports no weed potential.