Looking for a fragrant, yellow-flowered shrub for your garden? Look no further than the Spartium junceum, commonly known as Spanish Broom or Weaver's Broom. This perennial, leguminous plant is native to the Mediterranean region, where it thrives in sunny sites with dry, sandy soils. The plant produces pea-like bright-yellow flowers in pendulous racemes up to 18" long in the summer, as well as blue-green foliage that needs full sun. The plant tolerates heat and drought and needs pruning for neatness. While it is generally found on limestone in the wild, it can grow in many different soils. Be aware that it is considered a noxious weed in California. The flowers can be used to produce an essential oil used in perfume, and the fibers have been used for cloth and producing a yellow dye. Add this beautiful and fragrant plant to your garden and enjoy the sights and smells of the Mediterranean in your own backyard.
