Lygos monosperma (Bridal Veil Broom)


Michael's Opinion

Lygos (Retama) monosperma (bridal veil broom) is a very invasive plant which grows rapidly in costal areas around California’s grasslands, this plant should not be used in the landscape setting due to the plants invasive nature.

Botanical Information

FamilyFabaceae
GenusLygos
Speciesmonosperma
SynonymsRetama monosperma
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (deciduous)
References
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9a
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)20
Temperature (°F)68
Height3-6 m
Spread6 m
GrowthFast

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionSlim branches, white flowers, purple calyx and drooping branches.
ID CharacteristicBridal veil broom can be identified by its white flowers and purple calyx, branches have a weeping characteristic with very little foliage; foliage present will be compound and linear.
ShapeTall mounding, globular
LandscapeIn the landscape bridal veil broom grows very fast and dominates over annuals and perennials, the bridal veil bloom thrives in non-fertile soils and will invade grasslands. The plant is not usually recommended for landscape settings due to its invasive nature
CultivationBridal veil broom can be grown in full sun areas with sandy acidic soils. (pH of 4.8)
PestsNone known to cause harm to the plant.
HabitatBridal veil broom can be found growing in acidic sandy soils around California’s costal regions, grasslands and marshes.
Bark/Stem DescriptionSmooth, greenish grey,older bark can be described as greenish brown.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionOvular, green in colour.
Leaf DescriptionCompound and linear.
Flower DescriptionWhite in colour, 3-5 cm long, 3 pedals
Colour DescriptionFoliage present is greenish grey, purple calyx and white flowers.
Texture DescriptionSmooth slender branches, branches stay the same.

Photographs