Gorse
Ulex europaeus
Washington State Classification
Class B — Control Required (Designated)
Gorse forms vigorous stands that grow outward and crowd out all other vegetation causing a considerable loss of grassland habitat.
Required control in Region 1 (all western Washington counties)
Quick Reference
Identification
Growth Habit
Gorse is a perennial, evergreen shrub able to grow over 10 feet tall. It is shrubby with stout and upright spreading branches with angular stems and a terminal thorn. The plant habit is dense, sometimes 30 feet in diameter, with a center of dead foliage.
Leaves
Leaves are trifoliate—having 3 thin leaflets. As they mature they become spiny. Spines are also in the leaf axils.
Flowers
Flowers are shiny yellow and pea-like. They are 1/2 to 3/4 inch long and clustered near ends of branches.
Fruit & Seeds
The seed pods are hairy, ½ to ¾ inch long, and brown when ripe. The pods burst and scatter seeds for several feet. The seeds are smooth and shiny, olive to brownish.
Impact
Gorse forms vigorous stands that grow outward and crowd out all other vegetation causing a considerable loss of grassland habitat. Because it forms a center of dry dead vegetation and has a high oil content, it is a serious fire hazard.
Ecology & Spread
Habitat
Gorse can be found in open areas, roadside, riparian areas and grasslands. Please click here to see a county level distribution map of gorse in Washington.
Spread Mechanisms
Reproduction
Gorse reproduces primarily by seed, but it can also spread vegetatively. Its seeds can remain viable in the soil for over 30 years.
"
Control Methods
Mechanical
- Hand pulling or digging may be an option for small infestations, but the entire plant must be removed since gorse can re-sprout. Chopping, cutting or mowing is an option for flat areas. Repeated mowing may be necessary to deplete root reserves.
Biological Control
- Goats are a cost effective control method for gorse seedlings. Chickens eat gorse seeds, and through the digestion process the seeds are destroyed.