Ulex europaeus

(Gorse)

Family: Fabaceae

This Weed of National Significance can live up to 29 years, producing masses of seed with a viability exceeding 85%, and that can remain dormant in the soil for up to 30 years.

Gorse is found in many different soil types and while it's commonly found in degraded agricultural land it has been found in various native habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, riparian areas and forests.

The plant can grow up to 4 metres in height and it is incredibly thorny. It forms impenetrable thickets if uncontrolled. These thickets are a serious fire hazard.

The plant also acidifies the soil and produces nitrogen-rich leaf litter which alters the nutrient composition of the soil.

Spread

Ulex europaeus produces masses of bright yellow pea flowers up the stems of the plant, and the subsequent fruit is a densely hairy pea pod. Seeds can be explosively dispersed up to 5m from the parent plant. Seed is also dispersed by birds, animals, ants, water, vehicles, machinery and in soil.

Control

Seedlings and smaller plants can be hand-pulled. For obvious reasons the smaller the plant the more easily removed it is.

Larger plants can be cut down and the cut surface painted with herbicide.

Large stands are often slashed or burnt to stimulate seed germination for follow-up control.

Smaller plants (before they turn woody) can also be effectively controlled by spraying with selective herbicide. Plants often reshoot, so follow-up spraying is usually required.

Because the thickets often become habitat for small birds and mammals, a staggered removal program over some years may be necessary while creating suitable habitat close by.

Sources of information:
Bush Invaders of South-East Australia, by Adam Muyt (R.G. and F.J. Richardson publishers)
Photographs courtesy of Sandy Leighton, Meander Valley Weed Strategy. http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/SLEN-5NL857?open

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