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EXPLORE > PLANTS > ANGIOSPERMS
Ulex europaeus
Also known as Irish furze, this noxious invasive plant was originally imported to Oregoncfrom Ireland. Gorse weed is now prevalent all along the Oregon coast and into the Coast Range Mountains. It is identified by its spiny, evergreen branches and scaly leaves which measure between 1/2 and 2 inches (1.27 to 5.08 cm) long. The plant produces brilliant yellow flowers shaped like large peas.
During the spring and summer, thickets of blooming gorse weed paint the Oregon coast bright yellow. The damage gorse weed causes to native species is extensive. It’s a very competitive plant which will easily dominate and displace native species and cultivated crops. In addition, its foliage is oily and highly flammable, which causes it to act like a fueling agent during wildfire season. Burning gorse weed is widely attributed for causing the destruction of the town of Bandon, Oregon, in September 1936 in which all but sixteen of the city’s buildings were completely leveled by fire.
Distribution
In Oregon, gorse weed was first noted as an invasive species in Benton County in 1916. Since then, it has spread widely in western Oregon and along the coast. It is most prevalent on the South Coast.
Conservation Status
Invasive and common.
Ulex europaeus
Also known as Irish furze, this noxious invasive plant was originally imported to Oregoncfrom Ireland. Gorse weed is now prevalent all along the Oregon coast and into the Coast Range Mountains. It is identified by its spiny, evergreen branches and scaly leaves which measure between 1/2 and 2 inches (1.27 to 5.08 cm) long. The plant produces brilliant yellow flowers shaped like large peas.
During the spring and summer, thickets of blooming gorse weed paint the Oregon coast bright yellow. The damage gorse weed causes to native species is extensive. It’s a very competitive plant which will easily dominate and displace native species and cultivated crops. In addition, its foliage is oily and highly flammable, which causes it to act like a fueling agent during wildfire season. Burning gorse weed is widely attributed for causing the destruction of the town of Bandon, Oregon, in September 1936 in which all but sixteen of the city’s buildings were completely leveled by fire.
Distribution
In Oregon, gorse weed was first noted as an invasive species in Benton County in 1916. Since then, it has spread widely in western Oregon and along the coast. It is most prevalent on the South Coast.
Conservation Status
Invasive and common.
