Common Name: Spanish Gorse

General Information

Genista hispanica is an erect, spiny, deciduous shrub usually growing 30 - 45cm tall, occasionally reaching 75cm. The spiny branches interlace to form a dense, cushion-like mass of growth[]. Although its leaves are deciduous, this shrub gives an evergreen effect through the deep green of its crowded twigs and spines[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens where it is especially valued for its floral display in late spring and early summer. Different forms can be used as ground covers and hedges.
Genista hispanica has a large range, abundant population and the population trend is stable. There are no known threats to the species.The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

Western Europe - southern France to northern Spain. Naturalized in Britain.

Habitat

Scrub and open rocky hills in lowland and mountains[]. Pine, beech and oak forests and meadows, generally in calcareous soils; at elevations up to 1,900 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Genista hispanica is a moderately cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -20°c when fully dormant[, ].
Easily grown in a light well-drained soil in a sunny position[]. Prefers a rather dry stony or sandy soil and does better in one on the poor side[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
A very ornamental plant[], it grows well on the top of walls and on hot dry banks, covering them with a dense mass of prickly greenery[, ].
Resents root disturbance and should be planted into its permanent position whilst small[].
Whenever possible, genistas should be raised from seed, as plants so obtained are usually healthier and longer-lived than cuttings[].
Plants do not usually resprout well if cut back into old wood, older plants can be best kept more compact by lightly cutting back the young growth after flowering. The taller species are all improved by shortening back several times in the young state in order to induce a bushy habit[].
The flowers have a sweet refreshing perfume, like ripe apples or pineapples[].
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[].
This species is closely related to Genista 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[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

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

Agroforestry Uses:

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

Other Uses

None known

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 late winter in a cold frame. Good germination[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Cuttings of almost ripe wood, taken in mid to late summer, placed in very sandy soil in a frame. Roots are usually produced in the spring[].
Cuttings of ripe wood, 5 - 10 cm with a heel, early autumn in a frame. Good percentage. Plant out the following autumn[].