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Spartium spp.
Spanish broom
Overview
Spartium spp. is a genus in the family Fabaceae containing a single deciduous shrub, S. junceum, the Spanish broom, native to the Mediterranean region. Plants form upright, multi-stemmed shrubs 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) tall and 5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 m) wide, built from slender, green, rush-like stems that carry out most of the photosynthesis. The small, narrow leaves are short-lived and drop early, leaving the green stems bare for much of the year. From late spring through summer the stem tips carry loose clusters of fragrant, golden-yellow pea flowers about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, followed by flat seed pods that ripen black. The genus grows in full sun on poor, dry, rocky soils and tolerates drought, heat, and coastal exposure. Its toughness and free seeding have made it an invasive plant in California, Australia, and other warm regions outside its native range. All parts, especially the seeds, contain alkaloids that are poisonous if eaten.
Native Range
Spartium spp. is native to the Mediterranean region, from southern Europe and North Africa to the Canary Islands and western Asia. It grows on dry, sunny slopes, scrub, and rocky ground, often on disturbed and roadside soils.Suggested Uses
Used on dry banks, in coastal and gravel gardens, and for erosion control on poor soils in warm, dry climates. Spaced 5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 m) apart, plants form an upright screen. Planting is limited to within regions where the species is not listed as invasive.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread5' - 8'
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from late spring through summer, generally May to August, sometimes longer in mild climates. Loose clusters of fragrant golden-yellow pea flowers open at the ends of the green stems. Flat pods follow and ripen from green to black, splitting to scatter seed.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in full sun on poor, dry, sharply drained soils and tolerate a pH from about 6.0 to 8.0, including alkaline and rocky ground. Once established they withstand drought, heat, wind, and salt spray and need no feeding; rich, moist soil shortens their life. Young plants are watered until rooted, after which irrigation can stop. The shrubs are short-lived, often declining after ten to fifteen years, and tend to grow leggy at the base. Self-sown seedlings can spread into surrounding ground. Hardiness covers USDA zones 8 to 10.Pruning
Light tip pruning after flowering keeps the shrub denser and limits seed set. Old wood does not resprout well, so cuts are kept to young green stems rather than bare old wood. Removing spent pods reduces self-seeding.Pruning Schedule
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A
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summer