Gorse - Ulex europeaus

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Gorse - Ulex europeaus
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature

Gorse is a dense, prickly shrub with rigid spine-like, evergreen leaves. It flowers almost all year round, producing masses of fragrant, vivid yellow, pea-like flowers followed by blackish pods that burst to release their seed on hot summer days. The flowers are useful to bees. It prefers a well-drained heath type habitat and can be used as a hedging plant in the right situation, as the spiny leaves are a good defence against intruders. The plant's tight growth makes it a favoured nesting choice for small birds such as common whitethroat, goldcrest, long-tailed tit, yellowhammer and linnet. In rural areas, though probably not in gardens, it supports whinchats and stonechats.

The name comes from the Anglo-Saxon word gorst meaning 'a waste'. This is a direct reference to the open moors and heaths on which it grows in the wild. Gorse will provide constant colour and interest: hence the saying 'when gorse is in flower, kissing is in season'.

Animals

Buff-tailed bumble bee, Goldcrest, Honey bee, Ladybirds, Linnet, Long-tailed tit, Red-tailed bumble bee, White-tailed bumble bee, Whitethroat, Yellowhammer

Foliage	Green
Flower	Yellow, January to August
Moisture	(Dry)
Sunlight	(Full sun)
Origin	Native