The yellow broom does not make a particularly handsome plant, but in May when covered with its golden butterfly blossoms few things in the shrubbery are more attractive. At the same season the white broom, Cytissus albus, is in blossom, and gives variety. Both are equally hardy. Our readers generally know that the Royal race of Plantagenet derived its name from wearing a sprig of genet plant, or broom, in the helmet while engaged in battle by the first founder of the house - a Duke of Anjou.