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| Gorse(Ulex europaeus)
- Gorse is a serious agricultural and environmental weed.
- Gorse is a declared weed under the Tasmanian Weed Management Act 1999. The importation, sale and distribution of gorse are prohibited throughout Tasmania.
- Gorse is also a Weed of National Significance (WONS).
- Gorse is a prickly evergreen shrub which may grow to a height and diameter in excess of 3 metres. All the stems and leaves end in a sharp spine. Gorse flowers are bright yellow pea-like flowers, and are borne all over the plant. The buds develop during February and March, although flowering tends to occur in spring and autumn. Gorse bears large quantities of brown to black seed in grey, hairy pods.
- Gorse is relatively straightforward to identify. However, you can search the Dennis Morris Weeds and Endemic Flora database
 for gorse illustrations. If you are still in doubt about the thistle you are dealing with, contact your Regional Weed Management Officer on 1300 368 550 for help.
  
- Gorse is widely distributed in Tasmania and is found in most municipalities (see map). The exceptions are a handful of north-eastern and south-eastern municipalities and the Bass Strait Islands which have relatively small, localised populations of gorse.
- Gorse is a major agricultural weed, and serious infestations of pasture can dramatically reduce stocking rates. Gorse is also a threat to many natural environments such as forests, woodlands, riparian (stream-side) vegetation, wetlands and native grasslands. Other impacts of gorse include providing shelter for pest animals, and an increased risk of bushfires.
- The legal responsibilities of landholders and other stakeholders in dealing with gorse are laid out in the Statutory Management Plan for Gorse. Use Attachment 1 in the Statutory Weed Management Plan to find out whether your area falls in a Zone A municipality (management objective is eradication of gorse) or a Zone B municipality (management objective is containment of gorse).
Detailed management and control guidelines for gorse can be found in the Gorse Control Guide. Refer also to Herbicides for Gorse Control. For further information contact the Department's Weed Management Section. |  | 
Gorse Control Guide
Herbicides for Gorse Control
Statutory Management Plan for Gorse
DPIPWE Weed Links and Resources
Weeds of National Significance - Gorse
Pest Genie
APVMA
Weeds in Australia - Weed Management Guide |
To the extent permitted by law, the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (including its employees and consultants) excludes all liability to any person for any consequences, including but not limited to all losses, damages, costs, expenses and any other compensation, arising directly or indirectly from using information or material (in part or in whole) contained on this website. |
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