Also known as Aboreus Broom · Black Broom · Catalan Broom
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Cytisus arboreus, commonly known as Tree Broom, is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree with arching branches and fragrant yellow flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun
100% intensity
Prefers a sunny position for best flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce in winter.
Well-drained soil. Tolerates poor, sandy, and alkaline soils.
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers mild temperatures; protect from hard frost when young.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly in spring; avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains toxic alkaloids, particularly cytisine. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. In severe cases, it can affect the central nervous system and cardiovascular system.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter, especially if grown in cooler conditions.
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Established plants are relatively drought-tolerant.
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and size. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Hard pruning can be done sparingly to rejuvenate old plants, but avoid cutting into old wood that has no leaves, as it may not resprout. Light trimming encourages bushier growth.
Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer. Insert cuttings into a well-draining compost mix and keep them in a propagator or cover with a plastic bag in a warm, bright location. Rooting can take several weeks.
Seeds can also be sown in autumn or spring.
Repot young plants annually or every two years in spring before new growth begins. Use a free-draining compost mix, such as a loam-based medium with added grit. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.
Mature plants generally prefer to be slightly pot-bound.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Broom (Cytisus arboreus)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Cytisus |
| Species | Cytisus arboreus |
Similar in genus Cytisus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
