Spartium junceum

Origin: Southern Europe, Mediterranean Regions

Botanical characteristics: It is a large deciduous shrub, which grows rapidly and has expanded growth habit. Stems are erect, dark green and similar to rushes (Butomus). Leaves are small, linear, poor on the plant. It has an abundant yellow flowering all summer long. Flowers are leguminous, fragrant, up to 2.5 cm long, clustered in sparse racemes, 30-40 cm long.

Agronomic and environmental characteristics: It is native of Mediterranean regions, in arid soils, road embankment and in the woodlands near it. It is suitable for poor but well drained soils with full sun exposure. It has an high resistance to salinity and can adapt to calcareous soils.

Use: It is an excellent shrub for marine areas and is ideal to reinforce slopes. In parks and gardens is combinated with lower shrubs in mixed hedges, slopes and near south-facing walls.