Fabaceae

Ulex europaeus

Gorse

Upright shrub, dense, stiff, heavily armed. Stems with dangerous thorns at ends, hairy when young, hairs becoming barbs on older wood. Leaves on young plants divided into 3 leaflets that become sharp thorns. Flowers in clusters near tips of stems and singly down stems, with pleasant smell of fruit. Grows in disturbed places, logged forests, edges of fields, and roads near coast. Introduced from Europe, expanding over an ever-widening range. Very flammable, invasive, noxious weed with seed viable for 30 years.

• Rarity: Common
• Flowering Time: All Spring And Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 2--6 feet
• Habitat: Coastal, Disturbed
• Found In: Olympic Np
• Native: No