Western Gorse - Ulex gallii

Whilst it is very similar to Common Gorse (Ulex europaeus), Ulex gallii tends to be smaller and low-growing, with narrower and weaker thorns and stems, forming compact, lighter green mounds. It also flowers later (July to September) whilst Common Gorse (Ulex europaeus) flowers mainly in spring.

The bracteoles are less than twice as wide as the pedicels, and the thorns are moderately grooved. 

Ulex europaeus

Photos of flowers and stems

A shrub of heaths on infertile acidic soils, including leached soils overlying chalk and limestone; also found on sea-cliffs, in under-grazed or abandoned pastures, and on scrubby banks and waste ground.

In flower during July, August and September.

Perennial.

Very much a plant of Wales, south west England and north west England it is scarce in many other areas of Britain.

Becoming scarce in Leicestershire and Rutland where it is almost confined to the Charnwood area. In the 1979 Flora survey of Leicestershire it was found in 21 of the 617 tetrads.