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Chamaecytisus hirsutus - (L.) Link

Common Name Hairy Broom
Family Fabaceae
USDA hardiness 6-9
Known Hazards Like many other plants in the Fabaceae family, Chamaecytisus species can contain alkaloids (notably cytisine), which are toxic when ingested in significant quantities. Cytisine can cause Nausea and vomiting, Abdominal pain, and Respiratory issues in severe cases. Pets, livestock, and humans (especially children) should avoid consuming parts of the plant. Allergenic Potential: Some individuals may develop skin irritation or allergic reactions when handling the plant, particularly during flowering or seed pod development.
Habitats Found in low to mid-elevation mountains and hilly regions, up to 1,500 meters above sea level.
Range Native to: Austria, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Krym, Romania, Yugoslavia.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Chamaecytisus hirsutus Hairy Broom


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Chamaecytisus hirsutus Hairy Broom
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Summary

Hairy Broom (Chamaecytisus hirsutus) is used as an ornamental and in soil restoration projects. Cytisus hirsutus L. is a synonym of Chamaecytisus hirsutus. Several species of Cytisus/Chamaecytisus (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

 icon of manicon of shrub
Chamaecytisus hirsutus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) 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 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. hirsutus L. C. hirsutus var. genuinus Briq. C. prostratus var. hirsutus (L.) Vis. & Sacc. Genista polytricha Scheele [2-5].

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

Used as an ornamental and in soil restoration projects. Several species of Chamaecytisus(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

Chamaecytisus hirsutus is Found in low to mid-elevation mountains and hilly regions, up to 1,500 meters above sea level in its natural habitat. It grows in dry, well-drained soils with sandy or rocky composition and poor nutrient content. It is often found in calcareous (limestone-rich) soils, making it well-adapted to alkaline conditions. It Thrives in a temperate to sub-Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild to cold winters and is drought-tolerant once established. It is commonly found in open woodlands (often with oak or pine species), scrublands and dry meadows, rocky slopes, cliffs, grasslands, and Margins of forests or clearings where light levels are high. Its hairy foliage helps it retain moisture in arid environments. Soil Texture: Prefers light (sandy) to medium soils. Adapts well to rocky or gravelly soils. Soil Moisture: Thrives in dry to moderately moist soils. It is drought-tolerant and sensitive to waterlogged conditions. Drainage: Requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Soil pH: Grows well in neutral to alkaline soils and can tolerate slightly acidic soils. Saline Tolerance: Not tolerant of saline conditions; avoid salt-affected soils. Tolerance of Poor Soil: It tolerates poor, nutrient-deficient soils, as it can fix nitrogen and improve soil quality. Light Requirements: Requires full sun to thrive. It does not perform well in shaded areas. Height: Typically grows to about 0.5–1 meter (1.5–3 feet) tall, forming a compact, bushy shrub. Pollination: Pollinated by bees and other insects attracted to its bright yellow, pea-like flowers. Temperature: Hardy and tolerates frost well. Suitable for USDA zones 6–9. Drought Tolerance: Highly drought-tolerant, ideal for arid and semi-arid regions. Flowering: Produces clusters of bright yellow flowers in late spring to early summer, adding ornamental value. Nitrogen Fixation: Like other brooms, it is a legume and improves soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen. Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free and resistant to most diseases. Pruning: Regular pruning after flowering helps maintain a neat shape and encourages fresh 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. The native range of this species is Central & SE. Europe to Krym. It is a subshrub or shrub and grows primarily in the temperate biome [2-5].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Easily propagated by seeds or semi-hardwood cuttings. Seeds benefit from scarification or soaking before planting.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Clustered broom or Hairy broom

Native Range

Native to: Austria, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Krym, Romania, Yugoslavia.

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.

Invasiveness Potential. In certain regions, Broom can become invasive due to its ability to fix nitrogen in poor soils, prolific seed production and longevity, and aggressive spreading habits. This invasive behavior may threaten native plant species and alter ecosystems, especially in Mediterranean, semi-arid, and temperate environments.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Not Available

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Chamaecytisus albusWhite BroomShrub1.0 6-9 FLMNDM003
Chamaecytisus proliferusTagasaste. Tree lucerne.Shrub4.0 8-12 FLMNDM004

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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