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Wildflowers of the Stuttgart Area

Cytisus scoparius

Family : LEGUMINOSAE/FABACEAE (Pea Family)
Common Name (UK) : Broom
Common Name (DE) : Besenginster
Common Name (FR) : Genęt ā balais
Habitat : Broom usually does best where there is plenty of lime in the soil
Remarks : As a heraldic device, the Broom was adopted at a very early period as the badge of Brittany. Geoffrey of Anjou thrust it into his helmet at the moment of going into battle, that his troops might see and follow him...Fulke of Anjou bore it as his personal cognizance, and Henry II of England, his grandson, as a claimant of that province, also adopted it, its mediaeval name Planta genista, giving the family name of Plantagenets to his line...The twigs and branches are serviceable not only for making brooms, but are also used for basket-work, especially in the island of Madeira. (from Botanical.com)
This plant has been introduced into the U.S.
First appearing : May
Abundance :

  • Photo Date : May 02, 2004
  • Location : The Langenbachtal valley near Wolfach in the Black Forest
  • Photo Date : May 02, 2004
  • Location : The Langenbachtal valley near Wolfach in the Black Forest
  • Siting Date : May 05, 2005
  • Location :Along the Steinsträssle in the Rot & Schwartzwild Park - Stuttgart.
    N48° 47.127' E9° 06.558'
  • Photo Date : May 12, 2004
  • Location : Along the Steinsträssle in the Rot & Schwartzwild Park - Stuttgart.