A plant record

Scotch Broom

Cytisus scoparius · Fabaceae

EnglishScotch Broom

FrançaisGenêt à balai

BotanicalCytisus scoparius

Also known asSarothamnus scoparius

FamilyFabaceae

Scotch Broom — Cytisus scoparius, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

⚠ Broom's principal alkaloid, sparteine, acts on the heart — it slows conduction, steadies rhythm, and dilates the coronary vessels — and it stirs the smooth muscle of gut and womb. That cardiac and uterine reach makes it a physician's remedy, prescribed and dosed under supervision, never taken freely; overdose has caused poisoning. We record its documented cardiac and diuretic roles without recommending self-use.

In three languages

Français — ⚠ L'alcaloïde principal du genêt, la spartéine, agit sur le cœur — il ralentit la conduction, régularise le rythme et dilate les vaisseaux coronaires — et stimule les muscles lisses de l'intestin et de l'utérus. Cette portée cardiaque et utérine en fait un remède de médecin, prescrit et dosé sous surveillance, jamais pris librement ; le surdosage a provoqué des empoisonnements. Nous consignons ses rôles cardiaque et diurétique documentés sans en recommander l'usage.

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Sources & lineage

Pharmacological literature; alkaloid sparteine

Kept alongside

Goat bush sennaCarobSpiny restharrowGray nickerField restharrow

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