Cytisus scoparius.

Cytisus scoparius Link. Leguminosae, Broom. Scotch Broom.

Middle Europe. Before the introduction of hops, says Johnson, broom tops were often used to communicate a slightly bitter flavor to beer. The young flower-buds are occasionally pickled and used as a substitute for capers. The seeds, when roasted, are used as a coffee substitute in France.

Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World, 1919, was edited by U. P. Hedrick.