Gorse
The spiny yellow-flowered shrub of western European coasts; nectarless, but its late-winter to spring bloom makes it a very early pollen source.
- Nectar
- None
- Pollen
- Good
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 1-3 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Gorse (Ulex) is a dense, spiny shrub that covers heathland and coastal slopes in Britain, Ireland, on the Atlantic coast of France and in Iberia. Its flowers have no nectar; pollen bursts out of the flower as it opens under the bee's weight. Its coconut-scented yellow flowers yield plenty of pollen.
Flowering
The main flowering is from February to May, but in mild coastal climates a few flowers can be found in most months of the year. This makes it very valuable for colonies that start brood rearing in late winter.
Honey and pollen
It gives no honey. Its pollen loads can make up a large share of the early-spring pollen intake; their protein quality is considered good.
Note for the beekeeper
It does not occur naturally in Turkey; the Turkish name 'karaçalı' refers mainly to Paliurus spina-christi, and the two should not be confused. It is a severe invader in New Zealand, Chile and Hawaii; it should not be planted outside western Europe, where it is native.