An upright, deciduous shrub, growing to 1.5 m (5 ft.), it has arching, twiggy branches, small trifoliate leaves and is covered in a mass of bright-yellow pea flowers in spring.
History and traditions
Known in medieval times as planta genista, common broom gave its name to the Plantagenet royal line. It was the adopted emblem of the father of King Henry II of England, Count Geoffrey of Anjou, who wore a sprig in his helmet when going into battle. Broom is mentioned in Anglo-Saxon writings and the earliest printed herbals make much of its medicinal powers. Pickled broom-buds were a popular ingredient of Tudor salads.
Related species
There are many hybrids and cultivars that are not suitable for medicinal use.
Growth
Grows in any well-drained soil in a sunny position. Propagation is by seed or semi-ripe cuttings, but seedlings do not transplant as well as established container-grown plants. Parts used Leaves, flowers.
Uses
Medicinal
A narcotic herb containing alkaloids similar to those in poisonous strych-nine, which affect respiration and heart action.
