Ulex europaeus, L.

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1981, Flora Europaea. Volume 2. Rosaceae to Umbelliferae, Cambridge University Press : 102

1. U. europaeus L. , Sp. Pl. 741 (1753).

60-200 cm, with main stems erect or ascending, densely branched in younger parts but eventually bare at the base; young twigs and spines somewhat glaucous. Twigs hirsute to tomentose, with grey to reddish-brown hairs. Primary phyllodes c. 8 mm. Terminal spines 12—25(—30) mm, stout, straight, glabrous. Bracteoles 2-7 mm wide. Calyx 12-16(-20) mm, with more or less patent hairs. Petals 15-20 mm, clear yellow; wings straight, longer than keel. Legume 11-20 mm, densely villous. Flowering season variable, but chiefly in spring or late winter. Usually on well-drained, neutral or moderately acid soils. W. Europe, extending eastwards to Italy; cultivated elsewhere for fodder, bedding and hedges, and widely naturalized. Br Co Ga Ge Hb He Ho Hs It Lu [Au Az Be Cz Da No Su].