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Description
Ulex, commonly known as gorse, furze or whin, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae. It is a spiny and vibrant shrub that grows up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. The plant has a woody stem and small leaves that are evergreen. The flowers are bright yellow, sometimes orange, and bloom from late winter to early summer. The plant is also known for its strong coconut-like scent.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Ulex |
Appearance
The Ulex plant has small, needle-like leaves that are about 0.5-1.5 cm long. The leaves are evergreen and very spiny, with a dark green color. The plant produces bright yellow, sometimes orange, pea-like flowers that are about 1-2 cm in diameter. The flowers bloom from late winter to early summer, giving off a strong coconut-like scent. The plant also produces small, hard, black seeds that are about 3-4 mm in diameter.
Care Guide
Water: Ulex plants require moderate watering during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week, taking care not to overwater it.Fertilization: Fertilize the Ulex plant once a year in the early spring with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The Ulex plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but may not thrive in heavy clay soil.Sunlight: The Ulex plant requires full sun to thrive. It can tolerate partial shade but will not flower as well.Hardiness Zones: The Ulex plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Ulex plant is relatively disease and pest free, but it can be susceptible to root rot and spider mites. Root rot can be prevented by planting the Ulex plant in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering. Spider mites can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Ulex plant is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It is commonly found in open, sunny areas such as heathlands, moors, and sand dunes. It can also be found along roadsides, in pastures, and on disturbed sites.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Ulex plants grow in heavy clay soil?
A: Ulex plants can tolerate poor soil conditions but may not thrive in heavy clay soil.Q: What is the flowering period of the Ulex plant?
A: The Ulex plant blooms from late winter to early summer.Q: How often should I water my Ulex plant?
A: Water the Ulex plant deeply once a week, taking care not to overwater it.Q: What is the hardiness zone of the Ulex plant?
A: The Ulex plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Related Plants
- Genista tinctoria (Dyer’s Greenweed)
- Cytisus scoparius (Broom)
- Genista pilosa (Hairy Greenweed)
- Lupinus polyphyllus (Bigleaf Lupine)
- Ononis spinosa (Spiny Restharrow)
References
- “Ulex.” Flora of North America. eFloras, 2006. Web. 20 Oct. 2021.
- “Ulex.” Royal Horticultural Society. RHS, n.d. Web. 20 Oct. 2021.
- “Ulex.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 20 Oct. 2021.
