Spartium junceum aka Spanish Broom

Taxonomy

Genus Spartium Family Fabaceae Order Fabales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Spartium junceum, commonly known as Spanish broom, rush broom, or weaver's broom, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is the sole species in the genus Spartium and closely related to other brooms such as those in the genera Cytisus and Genista. Originating from the Mediterranean region, Spanish broom can be found growing naturally in the Canary Islands. This deciduous, flowering, perennial, multi-stemmed shrub can grow up to 10 feet in height and width and is winter hardy. It produces bright yellow, pea-like flowers from June to August that resemble the flowers of other brooms. The green branching stems are characteristic of brooms, and the small leaves that appear on each shoot fall soon after they become fully developed, leaving only the green stems to take over the process of photosynthesis. In a garden, Spanish broom can reach a height of 8-10 feet with a spread of 6-8 feet, while in a container, it is likely to be around 3-4 feet. It thrives in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun and can be found in dry areas, open woodlands, disturbed sites, and along roads in the Mediterranean area.

Common names

Spanish Broom, Rush Broom, Weaver's Broom, Spartium, Yellow Spanish Broom

How to care for Spanish Broom

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Spanish Broom is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Spanish Broom should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Spanish Broom loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Spanish 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 Spartium.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Spanish Broom plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Growth-pattern

Spanish Broom grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Spanish Broom’s native range is S. Europe to N. Africa. Naturalized in S. Britain[17].

More info:
Wikipedia

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