Calicotome spinosa PFAF Plant Database

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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Calicotome spinosa is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from May to July. 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;

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

Other Uses

Hedge Hedge

Plants can be used for low hedging[200].

Special Uses

Hedge Nitrogen Fixer Hedge

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in a very well-drained soil in a sunny position[200]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c if it is given perfect drainage[200]. Plants dislike root disturbance[200], they should be planted out into their permanent positions whilst young. 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].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest pre-soaking the seed for 12 - 24 hours (by which time it should have swollen up) in warm water and sowing it in a greenhouse in early spring. Pot up the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse, planting out in late spring or early summer in their permanent positions. Cuttings of half ripe wood, July/August in a frame. It is probably best to put each cutting in its own pot.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

EUROPE: Italy (incl. Sardinia, Sicily), Spain (incl. Baleares), France (s. & Corsica) AFRICA: Algeria (north), Libya (north)

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 it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Calicotome villosa		Shrub	3.0	7-10		LMH	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.

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Expert comment

Author

(L.)Link.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Calicotome spinosa - (L.)Link.