Definition

Noun: 1. A tall, erect shrub (Spartium junceum) native to southwestern Europe and the Mediterranean region, characterized by nearly leafless, rush-like green stems, and bearing fragrant, bright golden-yellow flowers in racemes. 2. (Also called weaver's broom) A thornless shrub whose flexible, rush-like stems are traditionally used in basketry and weaving.

Examples

• The hillside was covered in the vibrant yellow of Spanish broom in full bloom.
• The artisan selected long, straight shoots of Spanish broom to weave into a sturdy basket.
• Spanish broom is considered an invasive species in some areas, like California, where it was introduced.

Advanced Usage

• As a modifier: The term can be used attributively to describe things related to the plant.
  • Example: The Spanish broom thicket provided shelter for small birds.

Variants and Related Words

• Spartium junceum: The botanical (Latin) name for Spanish broom.
• Weaver's broom: An alternative common name highlighting its traditional use.
• Broom: A broader category of shrubs in the Fabaceae family, many of which are also called "brooms" (e.g., Scotch broom, French broom).

Synonyms

• Rush broom
• Weaver's broom

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term "Spanish broom" refers specifically to . It should not be confused with other, often thorny, shrubs also commonly called "broom," such as "Scotch broom" (). Its defining features are its tall, leafless, green stems, fragrant yellow flowers, and lack of thorns.

Noun

1. erect shrub of southwestern Europe having racemes of golden yellow flowers
2. tall thornless shrub having pale yellow flowers and flexible rushlike twigs used in basketry; of southwestern Europe and Mediterranean; naturalized in California