Gorse

Family: Fabaceae
Scientific name: Ulex europaeus
Description: 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. Impacts Forms dense thickets excluding native species and grazers but encouraging feral animals. Reduces species diversity and agricultural capacity. Bushfire risk.

Example images for this weed