Sweet Broom (Scoparia dulcis)

Family: Plantaginaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Sweet Broom, Scoparia dulcis, is a tropical flowering herb growing up to 1 m tall with square stems and simple leaves. The white or pink flowers form singly or in clusters of two. Fruits are brown capsules containing brown seeds.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

An infusion of the seeds, obtained by soaking them in water overnight, is a cooling drink. People place bunches of the branches in containers of drinking water, and claim that the water is thus kept cool, as if iced. — An infusion of the seeds, obtained by soaking them in water overnight, is a cooling drink.; People place bunches of the branches in containers of drinking water, and claim that the water is thus kept cool, as if iced.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist thickets or along sandy stream beds, abundant in waste or cultivated ground, frequent about dwellings, at elevations up to 800 metres. (Zone 8)