Weeds and pests

Gorse

Gorse (Ulex europaeus L.) is also known as furze. It was introduced to Australia from western europe in the early 1800s and has been a problem plant ever since. It is a prolific seeder, and grows to form inpenetrable spikey thickets. The Victorian Gorse Taskforce operates to assist in the control and eradiction of gorse. Their website has a wide range of information to assist with gorse control. Additional gorse information is available from Agriculture Victoria.

How do you distinguish between gorse and other, sometimes endangered, prickly native shrub species? It is not always an easy task, but the consequences of control management decisions can have important consequences for providing habitat for small native animals and birds. A simple rule of thumb is that gorse flowers in late autumn, while other species, such as acacia, flower later in winter and spring.

More comprehensive information to help distinguish between different species is available through the Victorian Royal Botanic Gardens site.