PEA FAMILY 



17 



I. U. europkiis (Common Furze, Gorse or AVhin). — A much- 

 branched, spreading shrub, copiously beset with branched spines, 

 ahnost leafless ; bracts ovate, not adhering closely to the calyx ; 

 calyx shaggy, very obscurely toothed ; wing-petals longer than the 

 keel ; pod black, with brown hairs, bursting elastically with a 

 crackling sound, especially in hot weather, scattering the seeds on 



GENISTA TINCTORIA 



(^Dyer's Greenweed, Woad-ivaxen). 



i5lEX EUROP.'EUS 

 [Coftimon Furze). 



all sides. — Commons, everywhere. Perhaps no plant is so charac- 

 teristic of English scenery. It attains maturity in about four 

 years, but in sheltered places grows until it reaches a height of 10 

 or 12 feet. It will not thrive in hot or in very cold climates, 

 being uncommon even in the Highlands of Scotland. — Fl. 

 February — June, and again August, September. Perennial. 



2. U. Gdllii (Larger Dwarf Furze).— A shrub, 2—5 feet high 



