Cytisus scoparius / Ginestra dei carbonai

Origin: Western Europe.

Botanical characteristics: It is a medium-sized deciduous shrub with a upright habit and slender arched bright green branches. It has trifoliate leaves. An abundant flowering blooms in May-June and consist of yellow flowers grouped together in a little bunch. They look similar to the flowers of pea. They are followed by flat pods that turn black when they are ripe.

Agronomic and environmental characteristics: It is typical of the moor, in sandy acidic soils in full sun. It adapts to the most part of soils as long as they are well-drained and not calcareous. It has a high resistance to salinity and pollution.

Use: It is cultivated as an ornamental plant for its abundant flowering. It is used in scarps, sloping places or in gardens for hedges or mixed groups. It is ideal for small gardens and planters. It is used for consolidation of dunes and escarpments in urban areas.