Fabaceae

Ulex europaeus

Common Names: Gorse

Plant Form: Woody spiny shrub. Size: Up to 4 m tall. Stem: Erect, soft to rough and woody developing fissures as matures. Leaves: Alternate to spirally arranged, very spiny with waxy coating, 6-30 mm long. Flowers: Bright yellow pea-like 15-25 mm long. Fruit and Seeds: Oblong, greyish pods 10-20 mm long covered in fine hairs. Habitat: Roadsides, creek banks, bushland, disturbed areas. Distinguishing Features: Combination of erect woody habit, spikiness and pea-like flowers make it distinctive from other shrubby Legumes (Fabaceae). Impacts: Forms dense thickets excluding native species and grazers but encouraging feral animals. Reduces species diversity and agricultural capacity. Bushfire risk.