Common gorse is a robust, evergreen shrub which is widespread across the UK. It flowers between January and June, though it’s at its peak in April and May.

Flowers: vibrant yellow, pea-like and measuring 2cm in length. Gorse flowers are uniquely scented of coconut.

Leaves: common gorse leaves are long, sharp and spiky in appearance.

Fruits/seeds: common gorse has slightly hairy purple-brown pods that are about 2cm long. Each pod contains 2–3 small, black seeds which are ejected when the pod splits open in hot weather.

Not to be confused with: western gorse (Ulex gallii) and dwarf gorse (Ulex minor). These are almost identical in appearance to common gorse; however they flower at different times and are low growing, unlike common gorse which can reach up to 2.5 metres in height.