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Ulex europaeus

Species category

Weed

Common name

common gorse, furze, gorse, whin

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

OvateOvate:
Egg-shaped with basal end the broadest.
 to triangular

Size

  • Length 3–3.5 mm 
  • Width 2–2.5 mm 
  • Thickness 1–1.5 mm 

Color

Brown to black

Texture

Smooth to smooth-glossy

Other structures

CaruncleCaruncle:
An appendage or outgrowth of the outer integument of the seed, e.g. leafy spurge.
 (arilAril:
An outgrowth of the ovule or funiculus.
) present in hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 area.

Identification notes

RadicleRadicle:
The rudimentary root of the embryo, developing into the primary root after emergence from the seed coat.
 lobe is slightly shorter than the cotyledonCotyledon:
The modified storage leaf or pair of leaves of an embryo and seedling (see primary leaf).
 lobe. HilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 area is between the lobes, covered with a large corky caruncleCaruncle:
An appendage or outgrowth of the outer integument of the seed, e.g. leafy spurge.
 (arilAril:
An outgrowth of the ovule or funiculus.
), and can appear wing-like at times.

Noxious weed seed categories

State Noxious Weed: California, Hawaii

AOSA examination list

Not included

More information

For more information, see ISMA fact sheet.

Nomenclature

Family

Fabaceae

Valid name

Ulex europaeus L.

Ulex europaeus. True seeds with the hilum area between the lobes and covered with a large corky caruncle (aril), and can appear wing-like at times. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.
Ulex europaeus. True seeds with the hilum area between the lobes and covered with a large corky caruncle (aril), and can appear wing-like at times. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.