Gorse
Gorse is one of New Zealand's most widespread invasive shrubs and can quickly establish dense, spiny thickets if left unmanaged.
Originally introduced from Europe as a hedge plant, Gorse thrives in disturbed ground, coastal environments and areas of open pasture, where it competes aggressively with native vegetation for light, space and resources.
Gorse invades all kinds of habitats
Its bright yellow flowers are familiar to many New Zealanders and can appear for much of the year. However, beneath the flowers lies a highly effective survival strategy — Gorse produces large quantities of seed that can remain viable in the soil for decades, allowing plants to re-establish long after original infestations have been removed.
The dense, thorny growth can restrict access, reduce biodiversity and create challenges for restoration projects and natural regeneration.
Early intervention and ongoing management are essential to prevent small infestations becoming much larger problems in the future.
Explosion of seed pods spreads seed up to 5 m from the parent plant
The flower and the spines