Common Broom is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in heaths and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 150cm.
Common Broom is a smooth-stemmed deciduous shrub, producing yellow vanilla-scented flowers in springtime. Broom takes its common name from the traditional use of its woody stems to create sweeping brooms.
Botanic classification and naming: Common Broom is a member of the Pea (Fabaceae) family. The genus name
'Cytisus' identifies the plant as a Broom and its species name 'scoparius' means 'broom-like plant'.
Concerns: Common Broom is a poisonous plant, though less toxic than Spanish Broom.
Benefits: The flowers of Common Broom are rich in nectar and pollen, providing a good food source for both Honey bees and Bumble bees. It also has root nodules that host nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These make atmospheric nitrogen available to feed the plant and enrich the soil.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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