Broom (Cytisus decumbens, Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 3, 3: 156 (1845))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (Durande) Spach

Bibliography: Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 3, 3: 156 (1845)

Year: 1845

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cytisus

Vegetable: False

Observations: SC. & S. Europe

Description

The plant commonly known as Broom, scientifically named Cytisus decumbens, is a fascinating member of the Fabaceae family. This plant was first described by the notable botanist Edouard Spach in 1845 in the Annals of Natural Sciences, specifically within the Botany series, volume 3.

Cytisus decumbens is native to both South Central and Southern Europe, where it thrives in its natural habitat. This low-growing shrub is well-recognized for its vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in the spring, creating a striking visual against its dark green foliage. The plant’s adaptability to various soil types and conditions makes it an invaluable addition to European flora.

As a member of the Fabaceae family, Cytisus decumbens participates in beneficial nitrogen-fixing, which enriches the soil and supports surrounding plant life. Its hardy nature and attractive appearance have also made it popular in ornamental gardening and landscape design, particularly in regions that mimic its native climate.

In addition to its aesthetic qualities, the Broom plant plays a significant ecological role. It provides habitats and food sources for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are crucial for maintaining biodiversity within its native regions.

Overall, Cytisus decumbens is a remarkable species noteworthy for its beauty, ecological benefits, and historical importance within the botanical sciences.

Common Names

Swe: krypginst
En: Broom, Prostrate Broom
Nl: Lage brem, Trosbrem
Fi: Suikerovihma
Fr: Cytise pédonculé, Cytise retombant, Cytise rampant
De: Trauben-Ginster, Niederliegender Geißklee
It: Citiso sdraiato
Sv: Krypginst

Synonyms

• Genista pedunculata subsp. decumbens ((Durande) Gams)
• Corothamnus halleri (C.Presl)
• Euteline decumbens ((Durande) Raf.)
• Spartium decumbens (Durande)
• Genista decumbens ((Durande) Willd.)
• Spartium halleri (Lam.)
• Corothamnus decumbens ((Durande) K.Koch)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Apr 21, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2022 by Patrick Nard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2022 by Patrick Nard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 14, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Mathilde DUVERGER (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 29, 2022 by Stephen Hunt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2021 by Paule Huv (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2020 by MARIJAN PAVELIĆ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 3, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 7, 2021 by blooms astraea’s (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2020 by nicolas Francois (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken May 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 19, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Dominique REMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Dominique REMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 16, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:489710-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5354676)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cytisus decumbens (Durande) Spach)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 3