Scotch Broom Cytisus scoparius f. andreanus
ABOUT
The plant known as Scotch broom or simply broom has a striking appearance, characterized by its bright and showy flowers. These flowers can range from deep yellow to reddish-purple, often with a dark red, maroon, or violet blush, which adds a splash of vibrant color to the landscape where it grows. The stems of this plant are slender and green, transitioning to a woody texture as they age over time. The leaves are small and generally trifoliate, resembling clover leaves, and are often sparse, giving the plant an open, airy look. This gives the flowers a prominent display when they are in bloom. The appearance of the broom can vary with the cultivar, but the primary features remain consistent, creating a distinctive and easily recognizable plant.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Scotch Broom, Scottish Broom, Common Broom, Besom.
Common names
Sarothamnus andreanus, Sarothamnus scoparius var. andreanus.
ToxicityTo humans
Scotch broom is known to be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains toxic alkaloids such as sparteine and isoflavones that can affect the heart and central nervous system. Symptoms of poisoning from Scotch broom can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to confusion, dizziness, coordination problems, a fast heart rate, and potentially life-threatening changes in blood pressure.
To pets
Scotch broom is also toxic to pets. It contains the same toxic compounds that affect humans—sparteine and isoflavones—which can be harmful if ingested by animals. Symptoms of poisoning in pets might include similar effects as in humans, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. More severe symptoms could include changes in heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous. It is important to keep pets away from this plant and to seek veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape Beautification - Offers vibrant color with its bright yellow, red, or bicolor flowers to enhance garden aesthetics.
- Erosion Control - Its dense root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Habitat for Wildlife - Provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and food for bees and other pollinators.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, it requires minimal water, making it suitable for xeriscaping in dry climates.
- Low Maintenance - Generally requires little care once established, with no need for regular fertilization or watering.
- Nitrogen Fixation - Improves soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen into the soil through its symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria.
- Visual Interest - Its arching stems and small, green leaves offer a unique and attractive texture to mixed borders and wild gardens.
- Rapid Growth - Can quickly cover large areas, making it useful for new garden establishment or for filling in gaps.
- Adaptability - Can thrive in a variety of soil types and conditions, except for very wet or very dry extremes.
- Seasonal Interest - In addition to its spring and summer flowers, it can provide interesting seed pods and structure in the fall and winter.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cytisus scoparius f. andreanus, commonly known as Broom, has been traditionally used in the production of brooms and brushes due to its strong and flexible branches.
- The plant's fibrous stems have been used in the manufacturing of ropes and various textiles, taking advantage of its natural resilience.
- Broom flowers can serve as a natural dye, giving textiles and other materials a range of yellow hues.
- The wood of Broom is hard and fine-grained, making it suitable for small craft items, inlay work, and cabinet making.
- The green parts of the plant have been used historically to flavor beer before the widespread use of hops.
- In landscape gardening, Broom is valued for its ornamental qualities, adding vibrant color and texture to garden designs.
- Due to its rapid growth and soil stabilizing properties, Broom has been used to prevent soil erosion in vulnerable areas.
- Broom is sometimes planted as a companion plant in agricultural settings because it adds nitrogen to the soil, benefiting surrounding plants.
- The branches of Broom have been used to make musical instruments, particularly in the creation of traditional woodwinds.
- Broom seed pods, when dried, can produce a rattling sound and can be used as a percussion instrument in folk music.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Scotch Broom is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Scotch Broom is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Cleansing and Renewal: The common name for Cytisus scoparius f. andreanus is Scotch Broom. Historically, broom plants, including Scotch Broom, were used for sweeping, which symbolizes cleaning away old patterns or negative energies to welcome fresh starts.
- Humility: In the language of flowers, brooms are associated with humility due to their simple appearance yet hardy nature. The Scotch Broom, in particular, flourishes in poor soil conditions, reflecting the virtue of thriving with modest means.
- Protection: Carrying a sprig of broom is believed to offer protection during journeys. Scotch Broom, being a robust and resilient plant, embodies this protective quality, offering symbolic safeguarding against physical or spiritual harm.
- Good Luck: In some traditions, broom plants, Scotch Broom included, are considered to be good luck charms. They're often associated with fertility, prosperity, and good fortune, with the superstition that bringing them into your home can invite positive energy and abundance.
WaterFor Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius f. andreanus), water the plant thoroughly, allowing the water to penetrate deep into the soil, reaching the plant's roots. During the growing season in spring and summer, water every week or two, applying approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons each time, depending on the weather conditions and soil type. Less frequent watering, around once a month, is necessary during the dormant period in fall and winter. Take care not to overwater, as Scotch Broom prefers drier conditions and is drought tolerant once established.
LightScotch Broom prefers full sun to thrive, so place it in a location where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The plant tolerates partial shade but blooms more abundantly when exposed to plenty of sunlight.
TemperatureScotch Broom is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, thriving in conditions between 40°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 10°F but may suffer damage below this threshold. During extreme heat, ensure it has adequate water to prevent stress.
PruningPrune Scotch Broom immediately after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Trimming should be done once a year, cutting back about one-third of the previous year's growth. The best time for pruning is in late spring or early summer, after the blooming cycle is complete.
CleaningAs needed
SoilScotch Broom prefers well-draining soil with a pH of slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.5. A soil mixture containing loam, sand, and peat or a commercial potting mix amended with sand for improved drainage would be ideal for this plant.
RepottingScotch Broom rarely needs repotting as it prefers to be left undisturbed. It's generally best to repot only when the plant has become root-bound, which may happen every 2 to 3 years.
Humidity & MistingScotch Broom does well in average humidity levels typical of outdoor conditions. It does not have specific humidity requirements and can tolerate the humidity naturally present in most environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sun and well-draining soil mix.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, water sparingly.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleCytisus scoparius f. andreanus, commonly known as Scotch broom, starts its life cycle when its seeds germinate, typically in the spring, after they’ve been scarified by natural processes or intentionally by humans to break dormancy. The seedlings then develop into juvenile plants, establishing a root system and a rosette of leaves at ground level. As the plant matures, it develops woody stems and reaches its flowering stage, producing bright yellow, pea-like flowers that rely on insect pollination to produce viable seeds. After pollination and seed set, the Scotch broom disperses seeds, often through an explosive mechanism that can shoot seeds several meters away from the parent plant. The mature plant continues to grow and can live for several years, flowering annually and contributing to the seed bank. Eventually, the plant reaches the end of its life span and dies, but it leaves behind a legacy of seeds that will give rise to the next generation of Scotch broom plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The Cytisus scoparius f. andreanus, more widely known as the Scotch Broom, is typically propagated by seed. The best time for seed propagation is in fall, right after the mature pods have popped open to release their seeds. To propagate by seed, collect the seeds from the plant and sow them directly into the ground where you wish the plants to grow. Before sowing, it is often recommended to scarify the seed coat to improve germination rates; this can be done by gently scraping the seeds with sandpaper or nicking them with a knife. Another method is to soak the seeds in warm water for several hours or overnight to soften the tough outer coating. Once prepared, sow the seeds in well-draining soil and cover lightly with soil, maintaining moisture until germination occurs, which may take several weeks. Seed propagation is favored for its simplicity and the ability to produce many plants at a relatively low cost.
