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Summary

Bloom Color: Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Upright or erect.

Physical Characteristics

Cytisus alpinus is a deciduous Tree growing to 5 m (16ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Cytisus alpinus.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

The leaves are cholagogue and purgative[7]. The leaves have a similar effect to tobacco and have thus been used in treating nicotinism[7]. The plant is very poisonous and should not be used internally without expert supervision[7].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Wood - hard. It is highly esteemed by turners[7] and is used for making musical instruments[245].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Espalier, Specimen. A very tolerant and easily grown plant, it succeeds in almost any soil or situation[1] so long as it is not water-logged[11]. It grows well in heavy clay soils and in poor shallow limestone soils[245]. Succeeds in cold exposed situations and tolerates industrial pollution[200]. This species is closely related to L. anagyroides[11]. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[11]. The flowers have a delicious vanilla scent[245]. Plants can be successfully transplanted even when quite large[200]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]. This species is notably susceptible to honey fungus[200]. Special Features:Not North American native, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Blooms are very showy.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse or cold frame[200]. Germination is usually very quick and good[78]. Prick out indoor-sown seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Another option is to pre-soak the stored seed for 12 hours in warm water and sow in an outdoor seed bed in early spring. These plants an be allowed to grow on in the seedbed for two years before planting them out in the winter. Cuttings of mature wood in late winter planted in the open ground[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Chamaecytisus proliferus	Tagasaste. Tree lucerne.	Shrub	4.0	8-12	F	LM	N	DM	0	0	4
Cytisus decumbens	Prostrate Broom	Shrub	0.2	5-8	M	LM	N	DM	0	0	4
Cytisus scoparius	Broom, Scotch broom, Common Broom	Shrub	2.4	5-8	F	LMH	SN	DM	1	3	4

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Cytisus alpinus - (Mill.)Bercht.&J.Presl.