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Summary

White Spanish Broom (C. multiflorus), native to the Iberian Peninsula, thrives in dry, nutrient-poor soils. Several species of Cytisus (commonly known as Brooms) grow in poor soils, are drought tolerant, and thrive in full sun. These plants are typically found in rocky, well-drained soils and withstand long dry periods. They have limited edible uses but contribute to the forest system, making them valuable contributors to healthy, functioning ecosystems. Many brooms fix nitrogen, are suitable for erosion control, act as shelter, forage habitats for wildlife, and contribute to biodiversity. Brooms produce many flowers rich in nectar and pollen, making them valuable for supporting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Physical Characteristics

Cytisus multiflorus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1.5 m (5ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Insects, Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
It can fix Nitrogen.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Corothamnus multiflorus (L'Hér.) Ponert. Genista multiflora (L'Hér.) Dum.Cours. Lugaion multiflorum (L'Hér.) Raf. Sarothamnus multiflorus (L'Hér.) Samp. Spartium multiflorum L'Hér.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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None Known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. Several species of Cytisus (commonly known as Brooms) grow in poor soils, are drought tolerant, and thrive in full sun. These plants are typically found in rocky, well-drained soils and withstand long dry periods. They have limited edible uses but contribute to the forest system, making them valuable contributors to healthy, functioning ecosystems. Many brooms fix nitrogen, are suitable for erosion control, act as shelter, forage habitats for wildlife, and contribute to biodiversity. Brooms produce many flowers rich in nectar and pollen, making them valuable for supporting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Broom species produce flowers with nectar and pollen that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): Broom shrubs provide shelter for wildlife, and birds may use the dense foliage for nesting and roosting. However, the seeds are generally not a significant food source for many animals, and the plant does not produce abundant leaf litter. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): The dense growth of broom can provide shelter for invertebrates, though it is not typically known for its leaf litter or groundcover characteristics. Pest Confuser (Smell): Broom plants do not have a strong scent that confuses pests.

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Soil Texture: Thrives in light (sandy) to medium soils. It can also tolerate rocky or gravelly soils, typical of its native habitats. Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist soils. Highly drought-tolerant once established but does not tolerate waterlogging. Drainage: Requires well-drained soil for optimal growth. Soil pH: Tolerates a wide range of pH levels, from slightly acidic to alkaline soils. Saline Tolerance: Has moderate tolerance for saline conditions, suitable for areas with mild soil salinity. Tolerance of Poor Soil: It thrives in poor, nutrient-deficient soils, as it is a nitrogen-fixing plant. Light Requirements: Requires full sun for optimal growth and flowering. Does not perform well in the shade. Height: Typically grows to about 1–2 meters (3–6 feet) tall, forming a bushy, upright shrub. Pollination: Pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other insects attracted to its small, white, pea-like flowers. Temperature: Hardy and well-suited for USDA zones 6–9. It tolerates frost and thrives in Mediterranean and temperate climates. Drought Tolerance: Extremely drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and arid environments. Flowering: Produces masses of small, white, fragrant flowers in late spring to early summer, which can completely cover the plant, providing excellent ornamental value. Nitrogen Fixation: Improves soil quality by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, making it useful for soil stabilisation and restoration projects. Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free and disease-resistant. Pruning: Benefits from pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.Fire Hazard: Like other broom species, brooms can be flammable due to their woody stems and dry seed pods, which increases fire risk, especially in arid climates. A shrub 1-2 m high, found in the wild on roadsides, abandoned fields, disturbed sites, and open woodlands. It is often found on granite or quartzite[1-8]. The native range of this species is W. & Central Iberian Peninsula. It is a subshrub or shrub and grows primarily in the temperate biome. it has been introduced into Belgium, California, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Italy, Madagascar, Madeira, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Oregon, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria [2-5]. Many broom species are self-fertile, allowing them to produce seeds without cross-pollination. Broom species are considered fast-growing shrubs, reaching maturity within 3 to 5 years, and can grow up to 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) in height. Seeds are typically harvested in late summer to early autumn when the seed pods are dry. Broom generally flowers in spring, with peak blooming depending on the species and local climate.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Easily propagated by seeds, which may require scarification or soaking, or by semi-hardwood cuttings.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

White broom, White Spanishbroom and Portuguese broom.

Native Range

Native to: Portugal, Spain.

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.

Invasiveness: Cytisus scoparius (Scotch Broom) and other Cytisus species are known for their highly invasive tendencies. They outcompete native vegetation, particularly in temperate and Mediterranean climates. They produce long-lived seeds that can remain viable in the soil for decades. They thrive in poor, nitrogen-deficient soils, altering the nutrient balance of ecosystems. Scotch Broom, for instance, is a serious concern in parts of North America, Australia, and New Zealand. This plant is a major weed in agricultural fields and an invasive species in Australia and California wild areas. It was initially introduced as an ornamental shrub for its abundant white flowers and is still occasionally sold for landscaping. However, its pest status has led to new industry efforts and public education programs.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Least Concern

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Chamaecytisus albus	White Broom	Shrub	1.0	6-9	F	LM	N	DM	0	0	3
Chamaecytisus hirsutus	Hairy Broom	Shrub	1.0	6-9	F	LM	N	DM	0	0	3
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
Cytisus striatus	Portuguese Broom	Shrub	2.0	7-9	F	LM	N	DM	0	0	3
Cytisus x praecox	Warminster Broom	Shrub	1.0	5-9	F	LM	N	DM	0	0	3

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 multiflorus - (L'Hér.) Sweet