Identification and Reproduction

Identification:

• Gorse is an evergreen, perennial shrub that grows between 1 and 2 m tall. 
• Stems are upright and densely branching. Younger stems are green and will become brown and woody over time. 
• Leaves are in the form of spines and dark-green. 

• It produces clusters of bright yellow pea-shaped flowers. 

• Seedpods mature to be dark brown or black and hairy. 

Reproduction: 

• Can reproduce from seeds and vegetatively from adventitous roots. 
• It has been known to resprout from stumps. 
• Seeds are often spread by wildlife or by the movement of contaminated soil. 
• Seeds are fairly heavy and there is often a localized abundance of new seedlings. 
• Seeds are ejected from seedpods when mature. 
• Seeds remain viable for 30 years. 

Habitat & Ecology

• Gorse is commonly found on hillsides, waterways, roadsides, railways, pastures, grasslands wastelands, logged areas, forest edges and other disturbed sites. 
• It cannot withstand extreme dry conditions or severe heat or cold temperatures.
• It invades infertile sites that are low in organic content.  

Impacts

Social: 

• The presence of gorse can limit and hinder the recreational value of the land. 
• When it invades pastures and rangelands it displaces forage plants. 
• Reduces forage potential and availability for livestock. 
• When infestations cover logging sites it can impede silvicultural activities by suppressing conifer seedling growth. 
• Gorse shrubs can restrict the movement of livestock. 

Ecological:

• Poses as a fire hazard as plant parts contain volatile oils and produce large amounts of surface litter. 
• Displaces native vegetation. 
• Decreases native plant diversity. 
• Increases erosion. 

Management

Mechanical/Manual Control: 

• Small patches can easily be removed through hoeing or digging. 
• Refrain from mowing plants as this will encourage vegetative growth. If mowing to prevent seed production, repeat mowing throughout the growing season to deplete root reserves.
• Cutting plants will not be effective when done alone, should be done in combination with chemical control.  

Biological Control: 

• Two species have proven effective on gorse; gorse spider mite (Tetranychus lintearius) and the gorse seed weevil (Exapion ulicis). Neither of these species have been introduced as a biocontrol agent in BC. 

Chemical Control: 

• Ticlopyr and glyphosate are effective from foliar, basal cut stump, cut stump and basal bark applications. 
• Always read and follow the chemical product label prior to use. 

Resources

• Gorse: A Guide to Weeds in British Columbia
• Common Gorse (Ulex europaeus): History and Ecology in North America
• Ulex europaeus Factsheet: BugwoodWiki

Header photo (Miguel Mendez).