Broom

Description:

Branches green, 5-angled. Leaves composed of 3 leaflets, or the upper ones simple, falling early in year. Pods black when ripe, exploding noisily in summer sun.

Habitat:

Dry heath and grassy places, old meadows, roadsides, embankments, rough ground and scrub

Notes:

Apart from its use in heraldry, the Broom has been associated with several popular traditions. In some parts, it used to be considered a sign of plenty, when it bore many flowers. The flowering tops were used for house decoration at the Whitsuntide festival but it was considered unlucky to employ them for menial purposes when in full bloom.