A flash of yellow down the highway, this is how most perceive Ulex europaeus.
Learning to drive myself I wanted to see this plant up close and I was pleasantly surprised. Taken back by the size and shape of these beautiful yellow pea-like flowers. The foliage is dark green with needle-like spines that were surprisingly soft, similar to the Pinus species, Don't be fooled they can still a lot of harm! Just like in this serve case when “An RAF helicopter was scrambled early hours to rescue a man who had been stuck in a gorse bush for two days.” suffering from hypothermia. In my opinion a very underestimated plant with a lot of history and uses.
Ulex europaeus has a coconut scent and flavour, the flower buds being used in drinks, desserts and preserves. The flowers can be eaten raw and look great in salads, they also produce a yellow dye that can be used on fabrics just like the green bark. With all of the above in mind; Ulex europaeus contains mildly toxic alkaloids so eating too much at once is not a good idea. Ulex europaeus also has many traditional uses in history such as fuelling bread ovens, creating chimney brushes and as a mulch to deter mice and pigeons from crop seedlings. It was so widely used Gorse mills were built to produce winter food for fodder.
 Ulex europaeus is an essential plant for wildlife, providing food and dense cover that is great for birds both nesting and feeding. The flowers are insect pollinated yet debates are ongoing weather nectar production is consistent. Certain Species of Ulex are myrmecochorous, meaning that ants assist the seed dispersal other species can be heard crackling as the dark dehiscent seed pods disperse their seeds up to 5m by exploding. This is very hardy plant surviving down to -20c but it requires sandy soil with high drainage. Due to the foliage and habit of this plant, I can see why it is not easily integrated into garden designs however I would suggest a rock garden or an informal hedge if you must.All of the above is not advised by myself; do not eat anything without being 100% sure and taking the time to do your own research prior. |
