Genista lydia, commonly known as Lydian broom or dwarf broom, is a deciduous shrub native to rocky hillsides and open woodlands in the Balkans, Turkey, and Syria. It is a member of the Fabaceae family and is closely related to Genista tinctoria, with which it sometimes shares the common name ’common woadwaxen’. This compact shrub typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and a similar width, with a dense, mounded form. It produces vibrant yellow pea-like flowers in late spring to early summer, which are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. The flowers are showy and create a striking contrast against the small, green leaves.

Lydian broom is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, slopes, and xeriscaping. It is also used as a ground cover or in border plantings. This plant has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional performance in gardens. It requires minimal maintenance once established, and its preference for full sun and well-drained soils makes it suitable for a variety of garden settings. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0