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Genista hispanica - L.

Common Name Spanish Gorse
Family Fabaceae or Leguminosae
USDA hardiness 5-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Scrub and open rocky hills in lowland and mountains[184].
Range W. Europe - France to Spain.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Genista hispanica Spanish Gorse


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Genista hispanica Spanish Gorse
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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Genista hispanica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 1.5 m (5ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Ground Cover; Hedge;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Diuretic

The flowers have been used in the treatment of dropsy[4].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

Hedge  Hedge

Plants can be grown as a low hedge[29]. A good ground cover for sunny positions[190]. Plants take about 2 years to form an effective cover[197]. They should be spaced about 60cm apart each way and can be pruned back hard if they become open or straggly with age[208].

Special Uses

Ground cover  Hedge  Hedge  Nitrogen Fixer  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Easily grown in a light well-drained soil in a sunny position[1]. Prefers a rather dry stony or sandy soil and does better in one on the poor side[11]. Established plants are drought tolerant[190]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[184]. Resents root disturbance and should be planted into its permanent position whilst small[11]. A very ornamental plant[1], it grows well on the top of walls and on hot dry banks, covering them with a dense mass of prickly greenery[182]. The flowers have a sweet refreshing perfume, like ripe apples or pineapples[245]. Plants occasionally die back in the centre of the clump, especially after cold wet winters. Cut out the dead growth and layer living shoots into the gap[200]. Closely related to G. tournefortii. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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The PFAF Bookshop

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Propagation

The seed requires a period of cold stratification and is best sown autumn in a cold frame. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours in warm water and sow February in a cold frame. Good germination[78]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10 cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Roots are formed in the spring[11]. Cuttings of ripe wood, 5 - 10 cm with a heel, September/October in a frame. Good percentage. Plant out the following autumn[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Genista germanica Shrub0.6 4-8  LMNDM011
Genista pilosaHairy greenweed, silkyleaf broomShrub0.3 5-8 SLMSNDM003
Genista pilosa procumbensCreeping broom, Creeping hairy broomShrub0.1 6-8 SLMSNDM003
Genista sagittalisWinged Broom, Arrow BroomShrub0.3 3-8 MLMSNDM003
Genista tinctoriaDyer's Greenweed, Common Woadwaxen, BroomShrub0.6 4-7 MLMNDM123

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Botanical References

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