Genista tridentata aka Prickly Broom

Genista tridentata is a shrub in the pea family, Fabaceae. It is evergreen, keeping its leaves all year. People call it carqueja or prickled broom. It comes from the western Mediterranean region. It grows in Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Kew classes its climate as temperate. It grows below taller plants in Mediterranean woods. It also grows in scrub, heathland, and thickets. The RHS lists Genista stenoptera as another name for it.

This shrub grows fast to about 3.3 feet (1 metre) tall. It spreads about 3.3 feet (1 metre) wide. This gives it a small, neat shape for gardens. Its small leaves each have three leaflets. They form dense growth. PFAF says the leaves help it save water. Bright yellow flowers draw bees and other insects. These insects carry pollen between the flowers. The supplied sources give no months for bloom. They give no details about its fruit.

Choose a sunny spot with soil that drains well. PFAF says it can grow in light shade too. It accepts sand, loam, and clay if water drains well. It can also grow in poor, rocky soil. PFAF gives two views on the soil it needs. One section allows neutral soil; another says it needs acid soil. Both support acid soil rather than alkaline ground. It accepts dry or moist soil and withstands drought. Once settled, it needs little water, suiting sites with sparse rain. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 8–11.

This shrub needs little care when its growing needs are met. Its small size suits spots below taller garden plants. PFAF also notes its value for wildlife. Its flowers give a reason to plant it among other plants. It works with rhizobia to fix nitrogen. This trait helps explain its use on poor ground. The evidence gives seed as the way to grow new plants. PFAF does not flag it as a weed. The supplied sources name no pests or diseases.

PFAF reports its use to season food in Iberian tradition. The evidence does not name which plant parts people use. Portuguese folk medicine uses it for inflammation and other ailments. Researchers have studied its flavonoids to see if they may ease inflammation. These reports do not prove that it works as a treatment. Nor do they show a safe dose. PFAF lists no known hazards. This does not prove it is safe for all uses or people.