Description:Gorse (also known as whin or furze), is easily spotted across North Staffordshire's rough pastures and heaths.
At up to 2 metres high and with a vivid yellow bloom between March and June, you may well have seen its flowers flash by your car window.
However, it was originally introduced to provide food for livestock.
As it is very oily, gorse has even been used to fire ovens for making bread and even pottery.
This specimen was collected by local naturalist Henry Reader in April 1918.
About this plant
This plant is now cared for by staff at Stoke-on-Trent Museums.