PEA FAMILY 



117 



1. U. europceus (Common Furze, Gorse or Whin). — A much- 

 branched, spreading shrub, copiously beset with branched spines, 

 almost 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, Wood-waxen). 



ULEX EUROPE us 

 (Common 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 1 2 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 



