Spiny broom - spiny gorse (Forest alveolus)

Genus comprising about 50 species of shrubs, rarely small trees, deciduous or evergreen, native to Europe, western Asia and northern Africa, which grow in well-drained soils, from high mountains to scrubland, heathland, at low altitudes. Calicotome spinosa is a fast-growing deciduous shrub, up to 2 m tall, much branched and with a globose habit.
On the stems there are alternate short thorns, which are nothing more than transformed branches. The leaves are composed of 3 obovate leaflets, slightly pubescent, 1-2 cm long.
The papilionaceous flowers are numerous, yellow-gold in color and bloom in spring. The dehiscent fruit is a legume 2-3 cm long, green in color, brown when ripe.

Pedoclimatic needs

Pioneer species that colonizes uncultivated areas, garrigues and open areas. It prefers sunny environments but adapts to partial shade. It grows mainly in sandy or volcanic acid or subacid substrates. This species generally grows in coastal areas and is in fact very resistant to wind and saltiness. Spiny broom grows from sea level up to 1000 meters and is particularly resistant to both scorching heat and frost, resisting up to -8°/-10°c.
Due to its particularly fragrant flowering and the presence of thorns on the stems, it is used to create splashes of colour or impenetrable hedges. Very resistant to drought, it is ideal for gardens without water.

Botanical information

Botanical name: Calicotome spinosa (syn. Calicotome villosa, Cytisus infestus)
Family: Leguminosae