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Summary

Cytisus striatus is a nitrogen-fixing plant that improves soil fertility, allowing it to colonise poor soils. It is well-suited to dry, marginal lands, making it useful for erosion control and land restoration. Outside its native range, it has shown invasive potential in regions like Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, where it outcompetes native plants and alters ecosystems. 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 striatus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 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 soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

C. pendulinus L.f. Genista pendulina Lam. Genista striata Hill. Sarothamnus striatus (Hill) Samp. Spartium striatum (Hill) Samp.

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.

None Known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Cytisus striatus was introduced to California and Oregon for landscaping and slope stabilisation, but it has become an invasive species in these areas. 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

Agroforestry uses: Broom can be used as a nitrogen-fixing plant, improving soil fertility. It can also be utilized as a ground cover to prevent erosion and is often used in hedgerows and wildlife habitats. Soil Texture: Prefers light (sandy) to medium soils. It is well-adapted to poor, rocky, or gravelly soils. Soil Moisture: Thrives in dry to moderately moist soils. It is drought-tolerant once established but sensitive to waterlogged conditions. Drainage: Requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Soil pH: Tolerates a wide range of pH levels, from slightly acidic to alkaline soils. Saline Tolerance: Low tolerance for saline conditions; not ideal for coastal areas with high salinity. Tolerance of Poor Soil: It thrives in poor, nutrient-deficient soil thanks to its nitrogen-fixing ability. Light Requirements: Requires full sun for vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Shade significantly reduces growth and flower production. Height: Typically grows to about 1–2.5 meters (3–8 feet) tall, forming a dense, bushy shrub. Pollination: Pollinated primarily by bees and insects attracted to its yellow, pea-like flowers. Temperature: Hardy and well-suited for USDA zones 7–9. Tolerates frost and thrives in Mediterranean and temperate climates. Drought Tolerance: Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. Flowering: Produces bright yellow flowers in late spring to early summer, often covering the plant entirely, adding ornamental appeal. Nitrogen Fixation: Improves soil quality by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, making it useful for soil stabilization and revegetation projects. Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free and resistant to most diseases, though prolonged wet conditions can lead to fungal issues. Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh, bushy growth. Regular pruning can also prevent the plant from becoming too woody.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. The native range of this species is Iberian Peninsula, N. Morocco. It is a shrub and grows primarily in the subtropical biome. It has been introduced into Argentina South, Belgium, British Columbia, California, Cape Verde, Chile Central, Corse, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Madeira, Oregon, Washington [2-5]. 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

Grows easily from seeds, which may need scarification or soaking, or from semi-hardwood cuttings.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Hairy-fruited broom, Portuguese broom, Striated broom.

Native Range

Native to: Morocco, 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.

Cytisus striatus was introduced to California and Oregon for landscaping and slope stabilisation, but it has become an invasive species in these areas. A host of Aceria genistae English Broom Gall Mite. 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.

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 multiflorus	White Spanish Broom	Shrub	1.5	6-9	F	LM	N	DM	0	0	3
Cytisus scoparius	Broom, Scotch broom, Common Broom	Shrub	2.4	5-8	F	LMH	SN	DM	1	3	4
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 striatus - (Hill) Rothm.