Genista monspessulana
French broom
Overview
Genista monspessulana is an evergreen shrub in the Fabaceae, growing 3-10 feet (1-3 m) tall and forming many slender, ridged green stems from the base. The leaves are divided into three small oval leaflets 0.2-0.6 inch (5-15 mm) long, with hairs on the undersides. In spring it bears clusters of three to nine bright yellow pea-shaped flowers about 0.4 inch (10 mm) long along the upper stems, followed by flattened, hairy seed pods 0.6-1 inch (15-25 mm) long that split and scatter seed forcibly. A mature plant can release thousands of long-lived seeds that build a persistent seed bank in the soil. In coastal California, Oregon, and other mild-winter regions it has naturalized and forms dense, even-aged thickets on roadsides, rangeland, and disturbed slopes, crowding out other vegetation and adding to wildfire fuel. The seeds contain quinolizidine alkaloids that are toxic to people and livestock if eaten. It grows in full sun on poor, well-drained soils, fixes nitrogen through root nodules, and resprouts after cutting. Genista monspessulana is listed as a noxious weed in California and several other states. Growth slows on heavy, waterlogged soils.
Native Range
Native to the Mediterranean Basin of southern Europe and North Africa. It has naturalized along the Pacific coast of North America, in Australia, and other mild-climate regions, where it spreads on disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Genista monspessulana has no recommended horticultural use in North America, where it is regulated as an invasive weed. It is found on disturbed roadsides, rangeland, and burned slopes rather than in cultivated gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 8'
Bloom Information
Bright yellow flowers open in spring, mainly March to May, and cover the upper stems. Bloom lasts several weeks. Hairy seed pods ripen through early summer and split audibly to fling seed.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight