Ulex spp.
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Overview
Ulex spp. is a genus of about 20 spiny evergreen shrubs in the legume family (Fabaceae), native to western Europe, the Iberian Peninsula, and northwest Africa. Plants form dense, rigid mounds 2-10 ft (0.6-3 m) tall and 3-8 ft (0.9-2.4 m) wide, with green photosynthetic stems that carry out most of the plant's photosynthesis. Mature foliage is reduced to sharp spines 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) long, while seedlings briefly produce trifoliate leaves before the spine form develops. Flowers are pea-shaped, 0.5-0.8 inch (1.3-2 cm) long, yellow, and coconut-scented; U. europaeus blooms heavily in late winter and spring, with scattered flowering through much of the year. Seed pods are 0.4-0.6 inch (1-1.5 cm) long and split open when dry, scattering seed several feet from the parent. As a nitrogen-fixing legume, Ulex spp. colonizes poor, acidic, sandy soils and exposed coastal ground where many shrubs fail to establish. The same vigor makes several species, particularly U. europaeus, regulated as invasive in parts of North America, Australia, and New Zealand, where they form fire-prone thickets. Stems and old foliage are high in oils and burn readily, raising the fire load on ground where the genus naturalizes.
Native Range
Native to western Europe, the Iberian Peninsula, and northwest Africa, with the center of species diversity in Iberia. Several species, especially U. europaeus, have naturalized widely on other continents.Suggested Uses
Used on coastal banks, exposed slopes, and poor sandy soils for erosion control and as a stock-proof boundary hedge within its native range. The dense spiny growth shelters small nesting birds. In regions where U. europaeus is regulated as invasive, planting is restricted and the genus is managed rather than cultivated.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 8'
Bloom Information
Flowering peaks from late winter into late spring (February-May), with U. europaeus often producing scattered blooms through summer and autumn in mild maritime climates. Individual shrubs can carry some open flowers in most months where winters stay above about 14°F (-10°C). Pollination is mainly by bees, which trip the spring-loaded keel to release pollen.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight