Jamaican Broom
Chamaecrista glandulosa
- Native to:
- Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Puerto Rico, Southwest Caribbean, Trinidad-Tobago, Venezuela, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.
iNaturalist: © lougarou (iNaturalist #198371946)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Chamaecrista
- Species:
- Chamaecrista glandulosa
- USDA Symbol:
- CHGL6
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Responds positively to fire; can resprout from root crown after low-intensity burns.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Commonly found in open, sunny areas; tolerates poor soil fertility.
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm stratification required — 30–60 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water) followed by warm stratification for optimal germination.