Gorse
Gorse is a non-native plant from Europe, introduced as an ornamental.
DESCRIPTION: A spiny legume evergreen shrub, dense and stiff, forming impenetrable thickets. Its erect angular stems have spreading branches ending in thorns. Green leaves take the form of branching spines. Flowers are yellow and shaped like pea-blossoms, clustered near the ends of the branches. They are solitary or with two to three grouped in axils of spines on the preceding year’s growth. Fruit pods (legumes) resemble pea pods that burst expelling seeds. Roots are very extensive, with woody crowns and nitrogen fixing nodules. Gorse resembles Scotch broom.
CONTROL: Blossoms and mature seedpods must be eliminated. An integrated pest management plan, selecting from a range of possible control methods, should be implemented. Isolated small populations can be dug using a Weed Wrench. Prevent plants from spreading from existing populations by washing equipment, vehicles, and boots that have been in infested areas. Mowing is an option for flat and low to moderate slope areas.
Several mowings
may be necessary to deplete root reserves. If utilizing only
one cut during the season, it is recommended to cut before
flower production. A cut gorse plant will re-sprout from the
crown in greater density without a follow-up herbicide application.
Cutting is recommended before an herbicide application. Several
herbicides are recommended by the PNW Weed Control Handbook
for gorse control, contact your local weed control board for
site-specific recommendations.
To learn more about Kitsap County Noxious Weed Program, contact Dana Coggon at (360) 307-4242.
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