EUROPEAN GORSE Ulex europaeus
Pickup available at Celtic Wildflowers Nursery
Usually ready in 2-4 days
A shrub of mildly acidic substrates, including leached soils on chalk and limestone, and acidic sands and gravels. It occurs in undergrazed pastures, woodland rides, on sea-cliffs and sand dunes, and on waste ground and railways.
Famous for its vibrant golden-yellow flowers that emit a distinctive, sweet coconut fragrance.
The incredibly sharp, dense thickets provide highly secure nesting sites and protection from predators for birds like the Dartford warbler, stonechat, and linnet. It is also a vital early-season pollen source for emerging bees.
Peak blooming happens from January to June. However, it can flower sporadically throughout the entire year. This persistence inspired the old English proverb, "When gorse is out of blossom, kissing's out of fashion."
Height: 1.5m
Flowers: January to June
Colour: Yellow