Cytisus scoparius, Scots Broom
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Cytisus scoparius (Scotch Broom) has also been named Spartium scoparium (Linn.), Sarothamnus scoparius (Koch), and Genista scoparius (Lam.) 'Its long, slender, erect and tough branches grow in large, close fascicles, thus rendering it available for broom-making, hence its English name. The local names of Basam, Bisom, Bizzom, Breeam, Browme, Brum and Green Broom have all been given it in reference to the habit of making brooms of it.' (see www.botanical.com). Scotch broom will invade dry sites with disturbed or exposed mineral soil and is therefore often found at the roadside. The shrub grows wild all over temperate Europe and northern Asia. Even though it does not produce honey, it produces a lot of pollen and attracts many insects. Several bean-like seeds can be thrown some distance at maturity from their brown seedpods. Seeds may lie dormant for several decades waiting for the right disturbance and moisture conditions to generate.
Other names
UK Common Broom, European Broom, Scots Broom, Irish Broom, English Broom
F Cytise à balais, Genêt à balai, Genêt à balais
D Besenginster, Gemeiner Besenginster
NL Bezemkruid, Ginst, Priemkruid
DK almindelig gyvel, Gyvel
S Har-ris
NO Gyvel, Sandgyvel
FI Jänonpaju, Jänönvihma
PL Zarnowiec, Zarnowiec miotlasty, Zarnowiec miotlasty
IT Citiso scopario, Ginestra dei carbonai
ESP Retama negra
EST harilik luudpõõsas
HU Sepruzanót