Sign In 
Get Premium Hedgehog Broom
(Erinacea anthyllis)
Hedgehog Broom (Erinacea anthyllis)
/
/
Isidre blanc
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
Isidre blanc
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Isidre blanc | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Isidre blanc | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: ERINACEA_ANTHYLLIS_-_L'ALZINA-3.JPG |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Erinacea anthyllis, commonly known as Hedgehog Broom, is an evergreen shrub native to rocky, limestone-rich areas in the Western Mediterranean, particularly in Spain and Morocco. It typically forms a compact dome shape about 30 cm (12 in) tall and wide. The plant is characterized by its dense, spiny foliage that provides a unique texture in the garden. During late spring and early summer, it produces showy, lilac-colored pea-like flowers that add a splash of color to the landscape.
Hedgehog Broom is valued for its drought tolerance, longevity, and the ornamental quality of its flowers and foliage. It is often used in rock gardens, xeriscaping, and as a low-maintenance ground cover in areas with Mediterranean-like climates. It thrives in full sun and requires sharply-drained alkaline soil, which mimics its native limestone habitats. Once established, it requires very little water, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardening. Erinacea anthyllis has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional performance in gardens. Potential problems include root rot if planted in poorly drained soils, and it may be susceptible to pests such as aphids.CC BY-SA 4.0
Hedgehog Broom is valued for its drought tolerance, longevity, and the ornamental quality of its flowers and foliage. It is often used in rock gardens, xeriscaping, and as a low-maintenance ground cover in areas with Mediterranean-like climates. It thrives in full sun and requires sharply-drained alkaline soil, which mimics its native limestone habitats. Once established, it requires very little water, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardening. Erinacea anthyllis has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional performance in gardens. Potential problems include root rot if planted in poorly drained soils, and it may be susceptible to pests such as aphids.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 0.8-1 feet
- Width: 0.8-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Rocky, limestone-rich areas in the Western Mediterranean
Other Names
Common Names: Blue Broom, Rushy Kidney Vetch
Scientific Names: , Erinacea anthyllis, Erinacea pungens, Anthyllis erinacea, Erinacea erinacea, Erinacea hispanica,
GBIF Accepted Name: Erinacea anthyllis Link