Ulex europaeus L.

Shrub up to 2 m high; main stems erect or spreading, densely branched in younger parts but eventually bare at base; young twigs and spines somewhat glaucous; hairs usually grey. Lvs of seedlings not spinous but with 3 hairy leaflets; spines branched; terminal and lateral spines rigid, deeply furrowed, 15–30 mm long; secondary spines subtending lateral up to 12 mm long. Fls solitary; bracteoles acute to ± rounded, 1.5–3 mm wide. Calyx greenish yellow, c. ?-3/4 length of corolla, with ± patent hairs; calyx teeth connivent. Corolla clear yellow or golden yellow, 13–20 mm long; wings > keel. Pod villous, turning dark brown to black, 13–25 mm long; seeds smooth and rounded, brown or greenish brown, shiny, few per pod.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: (Jan.)–May–Nov.–(Dec.)