Spanish Broom
Spartium junceum
- Native to:
- Albania, Azores, Baleares, Corse, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, Italy, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, NW. Balkan Pen., Palestine, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe
Christian Ferrer
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Spartium
- Species:
- Spartium junceum
- USDA Symbol:
- SPJU2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 400 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Genista Broom Moth (Uresiphita reversalis)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Genista Broom Moth (Uresiphita reversalis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously after fire; seeds also germinate in response to heat and smoke.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- poor, sandy, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in rocky, calcareous soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 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 warm stratification for 30-60 days, then cold stratification for 30-60 days.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)