Common Name:

General Information

Genista germanica is an erect, spiny, deciduous shrub growing up to 60cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and dye. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.
Genista germanica is geographically widespread, and the population size is thought to be large. It is considered threatened at the limits of its distribution (Bulgaria and Sweden), but for the majority of the population there are no major threats. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

C. and W. Europe - Sweden to France, east through Belarus to southeast Russia, through Italy to Bulgaria.

Habitat

Thickets, poor pastures and heaths[]. Woodland margins, heathlands and pineforests, often on dry acid soils; at elevations up to 1,200 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Genista germanica is a very cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -25°c when dormant[].
Grows best in a sunny position[]. Easily grown in a light well-drained soil[]. Plants grow very rank in rich soils[]. Prefers a rather dry soil[]. Succeeds in acid or basic soils[].
Plants resent root disturbance and should be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible[].
Whenever possible, genistas should be raised from seed, as plants so obtained are usually healthier and longer-lived than cuttings[].
Plants do not usually resprout well if cut back into old wood, older plants can be best kept more compact by lightly cutting back the young growth after flowering. The taller species are all improved by shortening back several times in the young state in order to induce a bushy habit[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Formerly cultivated as a medicinal plant[]. No further details.

Other Uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the plant[].

Propagation

The seed requires a period of cold stratification and is best sown autumn in a cold frame. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours in warm water and sow late winter in a cold frame. Good germination[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Cuttings of almost ripe wood, taken in mid to late summer, placed in very sandy soil in a frame. Roots are usually produced in the spring[].
Cuttings of ripe wood, 5 - 10 cm with a heel, early autumn in a frame. Good percentage. Plant out the following autumn[].