A green dye is obtained from the leaves and young tops. A yellow dye is obtained from the flowering stem. A yellow and a brown dye are obtained from the bark. The bark is also a good source of tannin. The fibres are cooked for 3 hours in lye then put in a ball mill for 3 hours. The branches are harvested in late summer or autumn, the leaves removed and the stems steamed until the fibres can be stripped. It is not as strong as the fibre from the Spanish broom (Spartium junceum). Use this herb with caution since large doses are likely to upset the stomach.Īn excellent fibre is obtained from the bark, it is used in the manufacture of paper, cloth and nets. Since broom causes the muscles of the uterus to contract, it has been used to prevent blood loss after childbirth. The plant is also strongly diuretic, stimulating urine production and thus countering fluid retention. The plant is used internally in the treatment of heart complaints, and is especially used in conjunction with Convallaria majalis. The young herbaceous tips of flowering shoots are cardiotonic, cathartic, diuretic, emetic and vasoconstrictor. It acts upon the electrical conductivity of the heart, slowing and regulating the transmission of the impulses. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute.īroom is a bitter narcotic herb that depresses the respiration and regulates heart action. The tender green tops of the plant have been used like hops to give a bitter flavour to beer and to render it more intoxicating. Some caution is advised, as the plant has low levels of toxicity, however small amounts are likely to have no adverse effects. The flower buds of broom can be pickled and used as a substitute for capers. It has marginal edible & medicinal uses too, although today has become uncommon as the composition of active ingredients changes throughout the year making it unreliable. dissertation.Broom is native to many parts of Europe, and as a pioneer Nitrogen fixing shrub has it's place in hedge & agroforestry systems. Assessing the potential of invasiveness in woody plants introduced in North America. Pacific Northwest Exotic Pest Plant Council, 1998 John Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Survey of TNC Preserves, 1995. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007 National Parks where reported invasive:Īlaska Exotic Plant Information Clearinghouse This map identifies those states that list this species on their invasive species list or law. Reports made by experts and records obtained from USDA Plants Database. This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Suzanne Foster, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, Gil Wojciech, Polish Forest Research Institute, Tom Heutte, USDA Forest Service, įruit(s) Growing to 1.5 m in height. Element Stewardship Abstract - The Nature ConservancyĮric Coombs, Oregon Department of Agriculture,.Identification, Biology, Control and Management Resources It was introduced into the United States as an ornamental in the early 1800s. Cytisus scoparius is native to western and central Europe. It has been considered a pest weed since the 1920’s on the West Coast. Its nitrogen fixing ability allows it to compete successfully on poor, dry, sandy soils. Ecological Threat Cytisus scoparius occurs along roadsides, coastal sites, disturbed sites, pastures, and dry scrubland. The seeds are small and multi-colored, ranging from green to brown to reddish brown. (2.5-5 cm) long, and will explode when mature forcefully expelling the seeds. Fruit Seed pods are fuzzy on the edges, 1-2 in. Flowers The flowers are bright yellow, resemble sweet pea flowers, and occur singly or in pairs in the upper leaf axils. The leaves are often not noticeable, due to the dark green stems. Foliage Leaves are small, alternate and compound with 3 leaflets. The stems are five-angled and remain green all year. Native Range: Central and Southern Europe ( REHD, BAIL) Īppearance Cytisus scoparius is a perennial shrub that grows on average from 3.3-9.8 ft. Synonym(s): Scottish broom, English broom, scotchbroom Taxonomic Rank: Magnoliopsida: Fabales: Fabaceae Jump to: Resources | Images | Distribution Maps | Sources
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