Gorse (Ulex europaeus) was introduced to New Zealand in the early stages of European settlement. It is now a major invasive plant species with millions of dollars spent on its control.

Gorse is considered by many to be New Zealand’s worst scrub weed. It was originally introduced to New Zealand as a hedge species, but now occupies large areas of hill-country, reducing the area available for grazing by livestock on pasture land.

Gorse is a pioneer plant which provides an important ecosystem service. A member of the pea family, it fixes nitrogen and its prickly, bushy growth habit provides habitat for birds and animals whilst its dense root structure helps combat erosion.

Produces massive numbers of long-lived seeds, matures and grows rapidly, and is versatile about habitat. Tolerates hot to cold temperatures, high to low rainfall, wind, salt, damage and grazing, and all soil types. How does it spread?

Gorse is found throughout the Bay of Plenty. Risk areas include river systems, shrublands, forest margins, coastline, tussock land, fern land, wetland, consolidated sand dunes, gum lands, cliffs, disturbed forest, exotic plantations, poor pasture, and bare land.

Gorse was introduced to New Zealand from western Europe in the early 1800s. Originally used for hedging and windbreaks, it has long been recognised as a pest plant and is widespread in the Waikato region.

Biological control programs for gorse in New Zealand have existed since the introduction of the gorse seed weevil (Exapion ulicis) in 1928. Biological pest control is the use of natural mechanisms such as predation to limit the growth and prevalence of a pest.

Gorse and broom seeds are dispersed by explosive seed pods, water and human-mediated activity through contamination of vehicles, livestock and machinery. Seeds are long-lived and can remain dormant in the soil for 40-80 years. Gorse and broom will grow well across habitat types anywhere in Otago.

Ulex Europaeus, common gorse, is the dominant vessel of most of this spring cheer—so radiant and wide‑spread a bloomer that even the bellies of passing clouds seem tinted a light ochre.

Gorse fixes nitrogen, which can change the nutrient status of the soil for better (for improved grasses and clovers) or worse (many native species prefer low nitrogen levels in the soil).