Ulex

Ulex (commonly known as gorse, furze or whin) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae. The genus comprises about 20 species of thorny evergreen shrubs in the subfamily Faboideae of the pea family Fabaceae. The species are native to parts of western Europe and northwest Africa, with the majority of species in Iberia.

Ulex species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including brown-tail, grey pug, short-cloaked moth, and Coleophora species which feed exclusively on Ulex.

Description

Ulex species grow as shrubs between 1–4 meters tall. The plants are evergreen, with spiky leaves, and produce yellow flowers similar to those of the rest of the large family Fabaceae.

Distribution and habitat

Ulex is native to the Atlantic areas of Europe from the Iberian Peninsula and northwest Africa. It is also found in western France, the British Isles and the Low Countries.

Uses

Ulex is used for various purposes, including fuel, livestock bedding and fodder, thatching, and green manure. It was also planted for use as a windbreak, to stabilize soil and for ornamental purposes.

Species

The genus Ulex contains about 20 species. Some of the notable species include:

• Ulex europaeus (gorse, common gorse, furze or whin)
• Ulex gallii (western gorse or dwarf furze)
• Ulex minor (dwarf gorse)

See also

• List of Lepidoptera that feed on Ulex

External links

• Ulex at the Plant List
• Ulex at the International Plant Names Index

Ulex Resources
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