Guide: Broom
The mountain broom (Cytisus oromediterraneus) is a wild, green-stemmed shrub of high mountains that forms dense thickets above the treeline. In late spring it is covered in yellow flowers with a strong, honey-like scent, turning whole slopes of ranges such as Gredos yellow.
When
In Gredos it blooms mainly in May and June, and in the highest areas it can continue into July. The flowering moves uphill with altitude: it opens first on the lower slopes and later near the summits. A snowy winter or a cold spring delays it.
Where
It grows in the mountains of central Spain, roughly between 1,300 and 2,300 metres, especially in Gredos, Guadarrama and the Paramera de Ávila. On our map we follow the north face of Gredos, around Hoyos del Espino and the Plataforma, where a festival devoted to the flowering broom is held every spring.
How to tell the moment
At bud stage the shrubs are still green and small yellowish buds appear on the branches. With the first flowers, yellow patches show on the lower slopes. At full bloom the broom forms a continuous yellow blanket and the scent carries a long way. At the end the flowers wither, small dark pods form and the scrub turns green again.
How to see it
This is a protected natural area: stay on the marked paths, do not cut branches or flowers and do not push through the broom, which protects the mountain soil. Be aware there may be free-ranging livestock. Mountain weather changes quickly, so bring warm clothing and water. Park only in designated car parks. Weekends in May and June are busier.
Did you know?
Its green, flexible branches let it spend much of the winter buried under snow without breaking. Its leaves drop early, so the shrub often looks like nothing more than a bundle of green stems.
Where we follow it
Usual season: dates from past years, for guidance only. Each year it comes earlier or later depending on the weather.
Tell me when it blooms: broom
We will email you when flowering starts. One email per season, no advertising.
Sources: asturnatura.com · turismoavila.com · turismogredosnorte.com · diputacionavila.es