Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

Home ⟩ Pictorial Guide ⟩ Fabaceae / Leguminosae ⟩ Ulex europaeus / gorse

Ulex europaeus L.

gorse (Fabaceae / Leguminosae)

 SpreadBias within British IslesDirection of bias
Very widespreadNegligible tendencyNW
Plant Atlas 2020
BSBI Distribution Map

Ulex europaeus is a dense, spiny shrub found across the British Isles, chiefly on slightly acidic soils.

Kinder Scout (VC57: Derbyshire); 2004-09-03

 gorse / Ulex europaeus: _Ulex europaeus_ is a dense, spiny shrub found across the British Isles, chiefly on slightly acidic soils.

The flowers of Ulex europaeus release a pleasant coconut aroma on sunny days; the bracteoles at the base of the flower are broader than in our other Ulex species.

Streatley (VC22: Berkshire); 2014-03-05

 gorse / Ulex europaeus: The flowers of _Ulex europaeus_ release a pleasant coconut aroma on sunny days; the bracteoles at the base of the flower are broader than in our other _Ulex_ species.

The fruit of Ulex europaeus is a hairy black pod that opens with an audible crack on warm, sunny days.

Cors Goch (VC52: Anglesey); 2016-08-15

 gorse / Ulex europaeus: The fruit of _Ulex europaeus_ is a hairy black pod that opens with an audible crack on warm, sunny days.

All images copyright © Christopher J. Dixon unless otherwise indicated.

L-R: Bidens tripartita, Melilotus officinalis, Mimulus guttatus, Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus peltatus, Anchusa arvensis, Malva alcea, Lolium perenne