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 highly spiny evergreen shrub with effusive yellow blooms. It works as an excellent pioneer plant, nitrogen fixer and defensive hedge in permaculture ecosystems.

See which trees gorse grows well with

These trees share this species' soil and climate — the pairing is inferred from conditions, not from a guild we have already seen.

No account needed.

Needs

Water: Low
Light: Full sun
Size: Spiny 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

Central trees worth considering

May work well together — same soil and climate, complementary layers. We have not seen this combination in a generated guild yet.

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.