Petty whin (Genista anglica, Sp. pl. 2:710. 1753)

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 2:710. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Genista

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Europe to Italy

Description

Petty whin, scientifically known as Genista anglica, is a notable member of the Fabaceae family. Its vibrant presence is widespread across Western Europe, extending its natural growth as far as Italy. This plant, classified by the esteemed botanist Carl Linnaeus in his work published in 1753, Sp. pl. 2:710, represents a significant part of the European flora.

Genista anglica thrives in diverse habitats, often found in heathlands, scrublands, and other open, sunny areas that mimic its native environments. Adapting well to its surroundings, petty whin contributes to the biodiversity of these regions, offering ecological benefits such as nitrogen fixing, which enhances soil fertility, beneficial for surrounding plant communities.

This perennial herb or small shrub can be recognized by its bright yellow flowers, which bloom profusely, adding a splash of color to the landscapes it inhabits. These blossoms attract various pollinators, playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem’s health and vitality. The plant’s physical characteristics include slender, spiky branches, and small, needle-like leaves that create a distinct silhouette against the backdrop of its growing area.

Historically, petty whin has been noted for its resilience and ability to withstand poor, sandy soils, often prevalent in its native habitats. This adaptability makes it an essential component in the management of natural landscapes, particularly in areas that require robust vegetation to prevent soil erosion and support wildlife.

In summary, Genista anglica, or petty whin, is a valuable species within the Fabaceae family, celebrated for its ecological contributions and striking floral display. Its presence from Western Europe to Italy underscores its adaptability and significance in the natural world, as originally documented by Linnaeus in the 18th century.

Common Names

Dan: engelsk visse
Deu: englischer ginster
Fra: genêt dangleterre
Cat: ginestola ànglica
Nno: nåleginst
Nob: nåleginst
Swe: nålginst
Eng: petty whin
Nld: stekelbrem
Cym: cas gan arddwr, cracheithin, cracheithinen, eithin y gath, eithin yr ieir, eithin yr iâr, eithinen yr iâr
En: Petty whin, Needle Furze, Needle Genista
Ca: Ginestola ànglica
Da: Engelsk Visse
Nl: Stekelbrem
Fi: Oraväriherne
Fr: Genêt dangleterre, Genêt d’Angleterre, Genistette, Petit Genêt épineux, Genêt anglais
Gl: Gatiña
De: Englischer Ginster, Steckelheide
It: Ginestra d’Inghilterra
Nb: Nåleginst
Nn: Nåleginst
Sv: Nålginst
Cy: Cracheithinen, Cas Gan Arddwr, Cracheithin, Eithin y Gath, Eithin yr Ieir, Eithin yr Iâr, Eithinen yr Iâr

Synonyms

• Genista anglica subvar. subinermis (Legrand)
• Phyllobotrys anglica ((L.) Fourr.)
• Lissera anglica ((L.) Fourr.)
• Scorpius anglicus (Pourr. ex Willk. & Lange)
• Genista britannica (Rchb.)
• Spartium pusillum (Salisb.)
• Telinaria anglica (C.Presl)
• Genista anglica var. subinermis ((Legrand) Rouy)

Distribution

• Belgium (native)
• Denmark (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Italy (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)

Additional Images

Bark

Taken Jun 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2017 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2017 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 23, 1994 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2022 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2018 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2017 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 20, 2022 by broyard bernard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2019 by Frank Ewalds (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2022 by volker kreutzer (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2020 by Prieta Javier (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 26, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2019 by Lucile Hubas (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 11, 2020 by Prieta Javier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2022 by Easger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2020 by xavier font (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2020 by xavier font (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 10, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Françoise CARLE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2019 by Lucile Hubas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5347644)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:495881-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Genista anglica L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Subshrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.0

Ph minimum: 4.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Soil nutriments: 2