Fabaceae

Cytisus multiflorus

Common Names: White Spanish broom

Plant Form: Large thicket-forming shrub. Size: Up to 3 m tall. Stem: Green and striped. Covered in short hairs when young, which fall off at maturity. Leaves: Lower leaves in groups of 3, upper leaves singular. Covered in short hairs when young. Fine, greyish. Flowers: Pea-like white flowers with a pink streak at the base. 9-12 mm long. Fruit and Seeds: Pods which are pea-like, 1.5-3 cm long, covered in short hairs. Turn black when mature and release olive-brown seeds explosively. Habitat: Pastures, forests, plantations, riparian areas, grasslands. Distinguishing Features: White flowers and fine leaves distinguish from Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius).