Dwarf Furze

ulex minor

Also known as: ["Dwarf Gorse","Small Furze"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Ulex Category: Shrubs

Overview

A low-growing, spiny shrub native to Western Europe, characterized by yellow flowers and hard, green stems.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Ulex
Botanical Name: Ulex minor

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: rock garden, coastal areas, or open ground in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil with low fertility.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and size.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day). Tolerates partial shade but blooms best in direct light.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or poor growth indicate poor drainage or incorrect soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Full sun exposure; rotate regularly; avoid deep shade.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; adjust for seasons.

Soil

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).

Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay; use acidic soil amendments if needed.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 7–10. Prefers mild temperatures (50–75°F/10–24°C).

Protect from frost; avoid extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures.

Fertilizing

rarely required, if used then every 3 months with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer

Fertilize sparingly; apply in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed. Stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when growth is active.

Environment

Warm (65–75°F/18–24°C), high humidity, and partial shade.

Medium

Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity; avoid direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut back stems by one-third to one-half; remove crossing or crowded branches.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers (for larger stems), gloves.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune before flowering; remove dead wood; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot).

Method

Use a well-draining soil mix; gently tease out roots; place in a pot one size larger.

Suggestions

Repot only if necessary, as Ulex minor prefers being slightly root-bound. Typically every 2–3 years.

Checklist

Check root crowding; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; avoid over-potting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the soil. Allow excess water to drain away. Water in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water to the roots without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add sand or perlite for drainage; incorporate organic matter sparingly.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf drop, yellowing, or stunted growth in extreme cold or heat.

Cold Stress

Leaves may wilt or turn brown; growth slows or halts in freezing temperatures.

Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilizing.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as Ulex minor is adapted to poor soils.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Ulex minor may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as aphids or spider mites, which disrupt chlorophyll production.

Wilting in Ulex minor can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to impaired nutrient uptake and potential root damage.

Leaf spots on Ulex minor may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to defoliation and reduced photosynthetic capacity, weakening the plant.

Rotting in Ulex minor is often associated with root or stem rot caused by fungal pathogens in waterlogged soils, leading to decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are susceptible to toxicity from Ulex minor due to its alkaloid content. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal and systemic effects, requiring prompt medical intervention.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy tremors loss of appetite
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds flowers leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. Contact a veterinarian immediately if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Toxic

Ingestion of Ulex minor by dogs can lead to gastrointestinal upset and systemic toxicity due to the presence of alkaloids. These compounds can disrupt normal metabolic processes in dogs.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds flowers leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep dogs away from the plant. Seek veterinary attention if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Toxic

Ulex minor contains toxic compounds, primarily alkaloids, which can cause significant physiological disturbances when ingested. These compounds interfere with normal cellular functions and can lead to systemic toxicity.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain diarrhea dizziness weakness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds flowers leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of any part of the plant. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Ulex minor toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does Ulex minor attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: How drought-tolerant is Ulex minor?

A: It is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in dry conditions.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Kentucky Coffeetree
View
Fenugreek
View
Lacepod milkvetch
View
False Sicklepod
View