Golden gorse
Ulex europaeus
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
An evergreen shrub. It grows 2 m high and spreads 2 m wide. The stem is sturdy and hairy. It has many branches. Young plants have small compound leaves with 3 leaflets. Later the leaves are thread-like spines. The flowers are golden yellow. They are pea like. They are fragrant.
There are 20 Ulex species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It will grow in most soils and positions. It is resistant to drought and frost.
Countries/locations it is found in
Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Britain, Chile, Easter Island, Europe (country/location of origin), Falklands, Ireland, Luxembourg, Myanmar, New Zealand, North Africa, SE Asia, Slovenia, South Africa, South America, Spain, St Helena, Tasmania, Uruguay, Venezuela
How it is used for food
The flower buds are pickled in vinegar and eaten in salads. The young shoots are chewed. The leaf buds are used as a substitute for tea. The flowers are made into wine.
Edible parts
Flower buds, leaves - tea
How it is grown
It can be grown from treated (scarified) seed. Plants can also grow from cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Ajonc, Aliaga, Aliaga marina, Aulaga, Carrumba, Corena, Espinillo, Espino amarillo, hrgovec, Maticorena, Otea, Pica pica, Tejo, Tojo, Yaqui