Ulex europeaus, Gorse

Ulex europaeus or common gorse is a robust evergreen shrub which grows up to 2m in height. 

It can be found on heath and grassy places, mainly on acid soils.

This gorse is growing on the Fallowfield Loop. There are other gorse shrubs and mainly grass growing close to it. It receives a lot of sunlight and the soil underneath is well moist but not damp.

Gorse’s leaves are trifoliate when young.

The flowers are yellow, no longer than 2cm either solitary or in pairs,

 produced throughout the year but mainly in spring.

The fruits are legumes, dark purplish-brown, partly enclosed by the dried remnants of the flower. 

It has very invasive habit.