Gorse (furze) Ulex europaeus
Gorse (furze) (Ulex europaeus) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Fabaceae family, native to Western Europe. It grows 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -18 °C (0 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Gorse (furze) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Gorse (furze) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -18 °C (0 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about February for 13–29 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Western Europe |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇫🇷 France |
| Invasive in | New Zealand, Hawaii, Chile, Australia, Pacific North America: check local rules before planting |
Is Gorse (furze) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: seeds, spines
Seeds contain cytisine-like alkaloids; viciously spiny.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Gorse (furze)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Gorse (furze)
- How far apart should I plant Gorse (furze)?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Gorse (furze) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Gorse (furze) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Gorse (furze)?
- It tolerates about -18 °C (0 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Gorse (furze) flower?
- From about February for 13–29 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Gorse (furze) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Seeds contain cytisine-like alkaloids; viciously spiny.
- What grows well with Gorse (furze)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Wildflowers and meadows, Plantlife (UK)
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Coconut-scented yellow flowers almost all year (“when gorse is out of blossom, kissing’s out of fashion”). One of the world’s worst invasives outside Europe.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis