Gorse

Garden Problems

Gorse is a prickly, woody shrub. It is regarded as New Zealand's worst weed.

Identify the problem
Gorse is a prickly shrub which grows 2 metres or more tall. It has yellow flowers which produce explosive seed pods. Gorse is seen spreading across exposed hillsides in many parts of New Zealand but it is also common on roadsides, in waste areas and will invade gardens.
How to solve the problem
Spray
- Spray entire plant with Weed Weapon Woody Weeds, LawnPro Turfclean Ultraor Weed Weapon Extra Strength concentrate made up with Dye & Stick or Weed Weapon Rapid Action ready to use.
- The advantage of using Weed Weapon Woody Weeds orLawnPro Turfclean Ultra is that they will not kill the grass around or under the gorse.
Cut and Paint
- Alternatively cut down the gorse and immediately (within 15 secs) paint the stumps with Weed Weapon Invade Gel or Weed Weapon Stump Stop Gel.
Did you know?
- Gorse (sometimes known as Whin) was introduced to New Zealand as a hedging plant but quickly spread as a weed. It is now established on thousands of hectares hill and less intensively farmed countryside. The seeds can remain viable in the soil for many years making it a particularly difficult weed to eradicate completely.
- Latin name: Gorse - Ulex eurpopaeus.