Identification and characteristics
Gorse is a very common plant in Tasmania. It is a prickly, perennial, evergreen shrub which if left undisturbed will grow to a height and diameter of up to 2-3 metres. Soil type, climate, and grazing animals may affect its growth rate. Some plants growing on poor land and subject to grazing may never grow higher that 0.5 metres.
Gorse is a legume and produces an abundance of small bright yellow, pea-type flowers about 2 cm long. Flowering may take place all through the year but spring and autumn are the main flowering times.
Seed is produced in pods and when these burst the large black seeds can be thrown up to several metres from the parent bush. This occurs most frequently in hot, dry weather. Most seeds are "hard" and may remain dormant in the soil for more than 20 years. A flush of seedlings may emerge when the existing bushes are burned or mechanically removed. Gorse spreads only by seeds.
Established bushes will shoot vigorously from the stem if cut back or burned or even from the roots if cut to ground level.
Status under the Noxious Weeds Act 1964
Gorse is declared "Secondary Weed" under the Noxious Weeds Act 1964. The provisions of this Act enable the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment to require landholders to take control measures against the weed. In areas where infestations are not widespread the policy of the Department is to encourage the eradication of the weed where practicable.
The co-operation of all land managers in an area is essential for such a program to be effective. In the north-east municipalities of George Town, Ringarooma and Portland such an eradication program has been undertaken with a high level of success.
Where gorse is firmly established and its eradication is not feasible, landholders area are encouraged to contain and reduce infestations, especially where it has the potential to spread to neighbouring land.
 Distribution and significance
Gorse is present in most agricultural and urban areas throughout Tasmania. If allowed to grow and spread without control the weed can quickly smother large areas making them totally inaccessible. In extensive grazing area, it forms dense infestations and covers large areas, it forms dense infestations and covers large areas of hilly and stony land where control is difficult and expensive. Gorse can also be a serious weed in forestry plantations, reducing tree establishment and growth.
On fertile areas gorse can occupy land that could be more productive in good pasture and it provides a harbour for vermin. Near buildings, around towns and on fence lines it also constitutes a serious fire hazard.
Gorse is also a serious environmental weed, invading bushland and conservation areas throughout the State. Gorse is unlikely to invade undisturbed bushland. However, seeds may germinate rapidly after fire of mechanical distubance.
Plants compete strongly with native vegetation, alter fire regimes and reduce biodiversity.
In poor country gorse can be a useful plant providing stock shelter and emergency feed. In some situations it may also assist in reducing soil erosion.
 
 
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