Gorse
Ulex europaeus
- Layer 3 · Shrubs
- Nitrogen fixer
Status by region
No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.
Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).
Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.
About
Native to western Europe, it is a very spiny evergreen shrub with profuse yellow blooms. It functions as an excellent pioneer plant, nitrogen fixer and defensive hedge in permaculture ecosystems.
See which trees the gorse grows well with
We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.
No account needed.
Needs
- Water: Low
- Light: Full sun
- Size: Thorny shrub up to 2.5 m
- Mature diameter: 1.5 m
- Soils: Sandy, Loam, Clay
- Climates: Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Mountain / cold
Calendar
- January
- February — Planting
- March — Harvest — Planting
- April — Harvest
- May — Harvest
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October — Planting
- November — Planting
- December
- Harvest
- Planting
Medicinal use: Toxic in excess: the flowers are sometimes used in infusions, but contain toxic alkaloids.
Where to buy
Related plants
Other species in the same layer or with the same function.
See which trees the gorse grows well with
We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.
No account needed.
Not ready to map your land yet?
Get the free mini-guide to starting an edible forest.