Broom - Spartium junceum - €8 per plant 
500 seeds - €12.50  inc. delivery

A hardy nitrogen fixing shrub that grows well in the partial shade of fruit and nut trees, grows fast providing biomass for  mulch and is an excellent pollinator attractant.  Its bright yellow flowers appear in spring, from April to June, and smell of vanilla. It is quite likely that Broom got its name from the fact that its long, whip-like stems were cut and tied together to make brushes. Although a number of similar species were also used in this way, Broom created the best brooms! 
To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: Europe
  • native habitat: Sandy pastures and heaths, occasionally in open woodland, and often near the coast
  • family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

Predators

  • no experience of any pests or predators 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi Shade- Full Sun
  • soil pH:  acid-neutral -basic alkaline  (can grow in very acid soils)
  • Hardiness Zone: 5
  • The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
  • It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Known hazards 


  • The plant is of extremely low toxicity.

Overview

  • Deciduous Shrub growing to 2.4 m by 1 m at a fast rate.
  • It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. 
  • It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from Aug to November. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.
  • The plant is not self-fertile. 
  • It can fix Nitrogen. 
  • It is noted for attracting wildlife. 
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. 
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils.
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. 
  • It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. 

Characteristics

  • form: Deciduous  Shrub   
  • layer : Shrub Layer
  • habit: multi stemmed, 
  • height x width (m): 2.4 x 1

Products 

  • The flower buds are pickled and used as a substitute for capers and can also be added to salads. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. 
  • The roasted seed is a coffee substitute
  • The plant is widely used medicinally 
  • The branches are used to make baskets, brushes, brooms and besoms.
  • An essential oil from the flowers is used in perfumery.
  •  Wood - very hard, beautifully veined.

Functions, behaviours


  • Growing well on dry banks and on steep slopes, it is an effective sand binder and soil stabiliser 
  • Plants are very tolerant of neglect and can be grown in quite coarse grass.
  • Plants are strongly calcifuge according to other reports and intolerant of a pH much above 6.5.
  • Broom is an important shrub in the wild, providing shelter and food for wildlife. Nectar-filled flowers attract many insects which, in turn, attract birds that prey on them. 

Polyculture Partners - The Biomass Belt 

If you would like more information about this polyculture click here  for our blog article. 


If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project