Cytisus scoparius 'Scotch Broom'

[Ex. Co. Durham, England]

Fabaceae: deciduous, branched and spineless shrub to 2m, with ridged, 5-angled green twigs. The bright yellow flowers are about 2cm long and have a pleasant scent. The seed pods are oblong, black and explode on hot, dry, sunny days. Found on heaths and in hedgerows, favouring acid soils. Widespread and common across the country.

USES:

Broom is a bitter narcotic herb that depresses the respiration and regulates heart action. It acts upon the electrical conductivity of the heart, slowing and regulating the transmission of the impulses. The young herbaceous tips of flowering shoots are cardiotonic, cathartic, diuretic, emetic and vasoconstrictor. Tender plant tops have been used to flavour beer and increase its intoxicating effect. Leaves and aged flowers have been smoked to produce euphoria, also there are reports of the aged flowered being used as an aphrodisiac and smoked in sex magic practises.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Pre-soak seed for 24 hours in warm water then cold stratify for 1 month and sow in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in 4 weeks at 20°C. Seedlings should be potted up as soon as possible since plants quickly become intolerant of root disturbance.

 

HARVESTED: 2021*

 

APPROX. 50+ SEEDS