Gorse
Botanical Name: Ulex europaeus
Other Names: Frey, fyrs, furze,
gorst, goss, ruffet, whin
Habitat: Grassy places
Description: Up to 2.5m/8ft
Spiny, woody shrub Dark green spines Bright yellow flowers all times of year
although April – June at its peak
Native to: Europe
Cultivation: Light, acid soil
Nervous system: Depression
Other Uses: Fuel for bakers,
brick makers, lime burners, livestock feed
Other Notes: The Gaelic
name is Aiteann
The Vikings made beer from the flowers
It is associated with witches and trolls
There is a saying “When kissing out of season, the gorse is out of bloom”
It was hung over doorways in Wales and Ireland to keep witches away
Gorse –Western
|
Botanical Name |
Ulex gallii |
|
Other Names |
Cornish fuzz, Tamfuzz |
|
Habitat |
Rough grassland often with heather |
|
Description |
Smaller than common gorse up to 60cm/2ft. Spiny Flowers golden yellow all year around but especially July- September |
|
Cultivation |
Acid soil |
|
Other Notes |
Related saying: Kissing’s out of season when the gorse it out of bloom |