Spanish Broom

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Western Mediterranean basin (Spain, Marocco, Canary Islands)

Growth Habits: Shrub, 6 to 15 feet tall (1.8-4.5 m); almost leafless green stems; elongated to lance-shaped leaves, up to 0.5 inch long (12 mm), with hairy undersides

Watering Needs: Little water

Propagation: Seeds (pre-treated)

The Spanish Broom is considered an invasive plant in California, Oregon, and Washington. All parts of the plant are poisonous. The flowers yield a yellow dye.

Blooming Habits:
The Spanish Broom has very fragrant bright yellow flowers, 1 inch long (2.5 cm) for a long period from spring to mid-summer.

Fruiting Habits:
Hairy pods, 2 to 4 inches long (5-10 cm), with 10 to 15 seeds. When ripe, the pods open abruptly, ejecting the seeds.

Culture:
Trim to keep compact.