Gorse
Ulex europaeus
Also listed as Genista europaea
Also known as Common Gorse, European Gorse, Furze
Climate Match for your location
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A spiny, vigorous evergreen shrub with bright yellow pea-like flowers that bloom profusely in spring. Extremely drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soils, making it ideal for difficult sites.
Why grow it
Gorse outperforms many nitrogen-fixing shrubs in establishing on degraded or sandy soils where competing species struggle. Its early spring flowering provides forage for pollinators during a critical gap in the season, and the dense growth habit offers effective windbreak or hedgerow material. Compared to brooms or other leguminous shrubs, gorse tolerates drier conditions and requires minimal soil amendment once established.
Watch out for
The spines are sharp and can make pruning, harvesting, or access through dense stands uncomfortable; long sleeves and gloves are practical when working around established plants. Gorse can self-seed prolifically in disturbed ground and mild climates, so deadheading or mulching around young plantings may be necessary if containment matters. The plant is flammable when dry, a consideration in fire-prone regions or near structures.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native Range
Western Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A spiny, vigorous evergreen shrub with bright yellow pea-like flowers that bloom profusely in spring. Extremely drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soils, making it ideal for difficult sites.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Gorse grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Gorse outperforms many nitrogen-fixing shrubs in establishing on degraded or sandy soils where competing species struggle. Its early spring flowering provides forage for pollinators during a critical gap in the season, and the dense growth habit offers effective windbreak or hedgerow material. Compared to brooms or other leguminous shrubs, gorse tolerates drier conditions and requires minimal soil amendment once established.
Watch out for
The spines are sharp and can make pruning, harvesting, or access through dense stands uncomfortable; long sleeves and gloves are practical when working around established plants. Gorse can self-seed prolifically in disturbed ground and mild climates, so deadheading or mulching around young plantings may be necessary if containment matters. The plant is flammable when dry, a consideration in fire-prone regions or near structures.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native Range
Western Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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