Common gorse grows well in rough grassland, heaths, and often coastal habitats where it is tolerant of the exposed conditions. A native evergreen shrub, it is a common sight on open moorlands, but is equally at home in a garden setting. The spiny stems that branch in many directions, give plenty of protection for wildlife over winter, and the early bright yellow flowers are great for attracting pollinators. In fact a mature Gorse can flower from January to July. It prefers a well drained soil that is not too rich, so ideal for the wild area of your garden!
Wildlife attracted:
The bright yellow flowers of Common gorse have a coconut fragrance, and are an important source of early nectar. The shrub grows slowly, but the dense structure is ideal to provide a protected winter habitat
Other features:
Gorse has many traditional uses, – the flowers can be used to make Gorse wine and at the start of the 20th century, the gorse branches were used as fuel in bakers ovens.
