French broom (Genista monspessulana) is in the Legumes family (Fabaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,278 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.
Nationally it blooms mainly from February to May, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph French broom: observations by month (U.S.)
About French broom
Genista monspessulana (syn. Cytisus monspessulanus or Teline monspessulana) also known as French broom, Montpellier broom and Cape broom, is a woody perennial shrub and a legume. The species is native to the Mediterranean region, and is considered an invasive plant in most places where it has been introduced.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
French broom by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,272 | April | Feb–May |
| Oregon | 6 | April | Apr–Apr |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (Legumes)
White Clover
Red Clover
Texas bluebonnet
Bird's-Foot Trefoil
Rose Clover
Tomcat Clover
American hog-peanut
Purple Crownvetch
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph French broom?
Nationally, April has the most observations, with the main season from February to May.
Where is French broom most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Oregon.