Contents
Description
Ulex Europaeus, commonly known as the Common Gorse, is an evergreen shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This spiny shrub is native to Europe, North Africa and Asia and can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has a woody stem and small, dark green leaves that are less than 2 cm long. The plant blooms in the spring and summer, producing bright yellow flowers that are fragrant and attract bees.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Ulex |
Appearance
The Common Gorse has a dense and bushy growth habit, with stems that are covered in spines. The leaves are small and needle-like, with a shiny dark green color. The plant blooms in the spring and summer, producing bright yellow, pea-like flowers that are highly fragrant. The flowers are followed by small black pods, which contain seeds that can be used for propagation.
Care Guide
The Common Gorse is a hardy plant that requires little care once established. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of drought and can survive in poor soil conditions. Watering should be done only when the soil has become dry. Fertilizer is not necessary, but can be applied in early spring to encourage growth. The plant can be pruned after flowering to maintain its shape and size.
The Common Gorse is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Common Gorse is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly drained soil. It can also be affected by spider mites and aphids, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
The Common Gorse is found in a variety of habitats, including heathlands, moors, and woodland edges. It is commonly found in coastal areas and is often used for erosion control. It is a nitrogen-fixing plant, meaning it can improve soil quality by adding nitrogen to the soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Common Gorse poisonous?
A: No, the Common Gorse is not poisonous, but its spines can cause irritation to the skin.
Q: Can the Common Gorse be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Common Gorse can be grown in containers, but it may not grow as large as it would in the ground.
Q: Can the Common Gorse be used for hedging?
A: Yes, the Common Gorse can be used for hedging, but its spines make it difficult to prune and maintain.
Q: Is the Common Gorse invasive?
A: The Common Gorse is not considered invasive, but it can spread rapidly in areas with poor soil conditions.
Related Plants
- Ulex gallii
- Ulex minor
- Ulex parviflorus
- Ulex europaeus ‘Strictus’
References
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/18126/Ulex-europaeus/Details
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/ulex-europaeus-common-gorse
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulex_europaeus
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/Ulex-europaeus
