French Broom
Genista monspessulana
- Native to:
- Albania, Algeria, Azores, Corse, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, Italy, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Morocco, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Genista
- Species:
- Genista monspessulana
- USDA Symbol:
- GEMO2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Genista Broom Moth (Uresiphita reversalis)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Genista Broom Moth (Uresiphita reversalis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from root crown after fire; seeds also germinate in response to heat and smoke.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to Mediterranean regions, prefers open, sunny areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) followed by cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.