Western gorse (Ulex gallii, Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 3, 11: 213 (1849))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Planch.

Bibliography: Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 3, 11: 213 (1849)

Year: 1849

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ulex

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Europe

Description

Western Gorse, known scientifically as Ulex gallii, is a remarkable species belonging to the Fabaceae family. First described by Planch. in 1849, this plant has since been a notable member of the flora in Western Europe.

A distinguishing feature of Western Gorse is its hardy, bushy structure, which allows it to thrive in a variety of environments. This adaptability ensures that it can be commonly found across moorlands, heaths, and coastal areas within its native range. Towering and impenetrable, the dense, spiny branches of Ulex gallii not only sculpt striking landscapes but also play a crucial role in providing habitat and protection for various wildlife species.

The plant’s bright yellow flowers are a characteristic trait, lending a vibrant display to the regions it inhabits. Blooming primarily in late summer and early autumn, these blossoms attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thus contributing significantly to the local ecosystem.

Western Gorse is not just an ecological cornerstone; it has also found utility in traditional cultural practices. Historically, it has been collected for fuel in rural communities due to its high flammability. However, despite its positive contributions, Ulex gallii can also exhibit invasive behavior in certain contexts, necessitating careful environmental management to ensure balance within its habitats.

Overall, Western Gorse is a plant that exemplifies resilience and ecological importance, with its rich history and vibrant presence making it a subject of ongoing interest and study in botanical sciences.

Common Names

Eng: western gorse
Cym: dwarfor, eithin ffreinig, eithin mân, eithin y mynydd, eithinen fân
En: Western gorse, Welsh Gorse
Br: Lann-ki
Zh: 秋金雀花
Fr: Ajonc de Le Gall
Gl: Toxo femia
De: Französischer Stechginster
Ga: Aiteann gaelach
It: Ulex
Pt: Junco de Le Gall
Ru: Улекс Галля
Cy: Eithinen fân, Dwarfor, Eithin Ffreinig, Eithin Mân, Eithin y Mynydd

Synonyms

• Ulex gallii var. humilis (Planch.)
• Ulex europaeus subsp. gallii ((Planch.) C.K.Schneid.)
• Ulex minor subsp. gallii ((Planch.) Castrov. & Valdés Berm.)
• Ulex intermedius (Le Gall)
• Ulex richteri ((Rouy) A.W.Hill)
• Ulex bonnieri (Hy)

Distribution

• France (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Spain (native)

Additional Images

Flower

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

Taken Oct 15, 2021 by Patrick Nard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2022 by mike (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2022 by Wolfgang Klesper (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2022 by mike (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Yann QUELEN (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Dec 4, 2022 by Wolfgang Klesper (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 7, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Oct 9, 2022 by mike (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2022 by Wolfgang Klesper (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2022 by Wolfgang Klesper (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

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

Bark

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

Fruit

Taken Feb 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 9, 2022 by patrick Heuret (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

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

© 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/2951998)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:524303-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ulex gallii Planch.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Shrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 4.5

Ph minimum: 4.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘aug’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’, ‘nov’, ‘dec’]

Soil nutriments: 2