The WordPress Daily Prompt has the theme of Thorny.  One idea sprung to mind immediately when I saw this one: the Scottish beauty of gorse!

Gorse is ubiquitous across the highlands and isles, where it adorns many hills with a lush coat of yellow that looks so beautiful from a distance.  It is a pioneer that knows how to protect itself with thorny spikes that are strong and almost an inch long; any encounter with this defense mechanism is sure to leave an impression that is not soon forgotten.

Here’s a quick shot that shows both the beauty and the beast….

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Prickly Scottish Beauty

This was captured on the lovely isle of Mull, where it abounded.  Where you get a dense conglomeration of gorse brushes, there is no passing without strong protection.

Have a wonderful day!

6 responses

  1. When I was in NZ, I was told that they had imported gorse to the country, I think to feed their goats if I remember correctly. However, it had gone rampant, and was now out of control. When I watch the Custom Borders programmes on TV, I can understand why some countries are so strict on what can and can’t be brought into the country.

    1. It’s amazing how plants an animals can thrive in environments where they have no natural enemies. Many mistakes have been made over the years.

  2. We had the luck to visit Ireland in May when the gorse is in full bloom. They call it “Whin Bush”.

    1. Interesting name for it!

  3. Fab! Thank you for sharing! 🙂

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