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Ulex europaeus |
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 TreesPropagationPlanting |
Ulex
europaeus is large evergreen shrub growing up to 2m
in height. It grows on acid, sandy heaths, and exposed windy sites. The "leaves"
are rigid furrowed spines with smaller spines often in threes on the larger spines. Yellow
flowers are produced almost all year round and are often mistaken for broom. They turn in
to dark brown pods which make a loud pop when opening, to releace their small black seeds.
It was often planted as a hedge or windbreak around livestock.It is also a good source of
fuel as it burns well, this is a problem as it causes heath fires to spread rapidly. Small
birds finds its sharp foliage ideal protection in perticular the Dartford
warbler.
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While gorse is in flower Britain will never be conquered |
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Collect
seeds by picking the soft brown pods in late summer. Treat seeds as per broom sow in pots
or rootainers as seedlings do not like transplanting also protect from frost.