Genista hispanica

Botanical Description

Genista hispanica is an erect, spiny, deciduous shrub usually growing 30 - 45cm tall, occasionally reaching 75cm. The spiny branches interlace to form a dense, cushion-like mass of growth[ 11 Title Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Publication Author Bean. W. Publisher Murray Year 1981 ISBN - Description A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures. ]. Although its leaves are deciduous, this shrub gives an evergreen effect through the deep green of its crowded twigs and spines[ 11 Title Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Publication Author Bean. W. Publisher Murray Year 1981 ISBN - Description A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens where it is especially valued for its floral display in late spring and early summer. Different forms can be used as ground covers and hedges. Genista hispanica has a large range, abundant population and the population trend is stable. There are no known threats to the species.The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].