Gorse
- Ulex europaeus
Family: Fabaceae
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Description
Gorse is a shrub up to 2 m tall having branches that end in spiny tips.
Lacking true leaves except in the juvenile stage, the petioles are reduced
to linear spines. The yellow pealike flowers may occur singly along the
smaller branches or develop in a terminal panicle. The ovate bracts below
each flower are approximately 2 mm long. The bracts are persistent and
subtend the fruit which is a hairy legume containing two to four seeds.
Interesting facts
Gorse is a rigid spiny perennial that can form dense impenetrable thickets.
When the legumes mature, the pods dehisce and the seeds are ejected for
some distance.
Gorse is difficult to control because its waxy cuticle inhibits herbicide
penetration. It produces large amounts of seed that can remain viable
in the soil for 30 years or more.
Links to more information
For more info Contact Rob Nelson

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