Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
Tel/Fax: 01227 730242
Perennial, deciduous shrub and herb, found in scrubland and woods. Also known as Witches� Flower and Brushes. Small leaves and loads of yellow pea flowers. (The plant we offer is actually white). Flowers May and June. The flowers give way to half inch long seedpods which suddenly burst open and throw out the seeds. Plant was the emblem of Count Geoffrey of Anjou, father to Henry II � he wore a sprig in his helmet when going into battle. Broom was used a lot in heraldry for hundreds of year. It was, for example, the emblem of Brittany, and Richard I had it on his seal. Broom is also known as Besam, which itself is another name for a witch�s broom stick.
Broom produces no nectar but flowers have a trigger mechanism that sprays pollen on visiting bees. Leaves provide food for the caterpillars of the Green Hairstreak butterfly and Brocade moth. The seed pods are host to a two-winged gall midge. Ants like the seeds and help to distribute them. Seeds are also eaten by rooks and finches. Name comes from the Greek �kytisos� � a term used in ancient times to describe a woody legume. Cytisus comes from the name of the Greek island Cythnus, where Broom was plentiful.
The plant is a good nitrogen fixer in the soil. It is also useful for planting on steep banks as its roots hold the soil together. It has diuretic properties. It has been used to treat jaundice and dropsy, and prescribed for rabies. A lotion can be made by infusing the leaves and flowering tips. It can be used to treat insect bites and stings and roundworm. Pickled Broom buds were popular in Tudor times. The bark used to be used in the tanning industry and for making ropes. As a last resort, Broom can be used as thatch. Broom veneer and inlay was used on furniture, examples can be seen in Blair castle, Perthshire. Flowers yield yellow and green dyes. In Madeira, Broom twigs are used in basket work.
One of Broom�s active constituents � sparteine � can cause hallucination in large doses. This may possibly be the origin of the myth that witches ride on broom sticks. Broom was used in Anglo-Saxon medicine, and has been used in exorcisms. Blossoms are used in treating gout. Seeds have been used as a coffee substitute.
The plant was actually used as a floor-sweeping broom. To whip a child with green Broom might stunt his growth. To increase a newly-married couple�s fertility, they would jump over a branch of Broom bearing flowers. If a gypsy bride�s skirt touched the branch when jumping over, this meant she had lost her virginity or was pregnant. If the man�s trousers touched the Broom, he would be unfaithful. Broom will only grow well where two lovers have met in private and pledged their love � if this is later broken then the plant will die.
The plant has associations with magic � the Druids, who worshipped Belus, the sun god, held yellow as a sacred colour. In Scotland, a bunch of Broom was ties around the neck to staunch nosebleeds. It was thought also to be a magic bush from which fairies would speak. Burn Broom to calm winds in wind spells. Wands made from Broom are used in purification and protection spells. It was believed to be beneficial to sheep if they ate it.
Broom is the food plant of the following caterpillar moths � Grass Emerald, The Streak, Broom-tip, Lead Belle, Spanish Carpet, Frosted Yellow. Butterflies � Silver Studded Blue.
Plant in sun or partial shade. Prune directly after flowering. Can be propagated by layering.
CAUTION - DO NOT TAKE IF PREGNANT OR HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. THE PLANT IS TOXIC AND WILL CAUSE RESPIRATORY FAILURE IF EATEN. ALSO DO NOT USE IF YOU HAVE KIDNEY PROBLEMS.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*