Gorse
About This Species
Gorse is a spiny, perennial evergreen shrub. It thrives in sunny clearings with dry, infertile soil such as sandy or rocky areas, roadsides, and fields. A single plant can live up to 45 years. A mature plant can disperse up to 18,000 seeds per plant, and their seeds are easily distributed by human, environmental, and animal transport. Gorse poses a fire hazard due to its volatile oils. It is considered a noxious weed throughout the province.
How to Identify
Gorse has a single upright, branching stem. The leaves are green and spine-like with fragrant yellow pea-like flowers. Seedpods are black and hairy. Plants are 1-3 m tall at maturity.
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Gorse Factsheet -
If you need advice about invasive species on your property or you are concerned about reported invasives in your local area, contact your local government or regional invasive species organization.
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