Gorse? cutting/seed

[Migueli]

At least I think it's a Gorse. It's on one of those modern industrial estates and is in flower at the moment. Very nice yellow flowers with a Burgundy brush stroke. Whatever it is I want a part of it! or at least take a cutting. When and how? It also seems to have a seed pod. Can I just whip off a pod?

[shirlthegirl43]

It sounds like a broom rather than gorse - gorse is prickly and usually very bright yellow. Can't help re taking a cutting sorry. Seeds may be the best bet.

[Two_Sheds]

Sounds like Broom to me.
Gorse has viciously spiny leaves and smells of coconut

[Migueli]

Broom it is. At least it indicates that I gave a half decent description! From what little research I've done it seems cuttings are out but from seed is possible. Thanks for your help on the ID.

[snohare]

Cuttings from broom are practically impossible I believe, from what I heard when a tree nurseryman. The sort of thing posh horticultural research stations might do if really pushed to it.
Happily, (or not) the seeds will germinate readily if you put them on damp kitchen towel in a warm sunny spot. I did this once, if I remember correctly it took about two weeks to get them going. The burgundy colouring, if I remember correctly from being in your shoes Migueli, is the result of a recessive gene; so only a few of any wild seedlings are likely to have it. However there are commercial varieties that have been bred for this, if you take seed from them then the odds might be more in your favour. Worth bothering with, I have always wanted one like that !
The reason that you might not be happy with germinating broom seeds is that like gorse, it is invasive, sucks up all the nutrients from the soil, and gradually dies away to leave a very ugly mess. You can just write off whatever ground has it. This is why farmers hate it getting into field corners, and often burn it whenever they can. But both species are good habitat for wildlife; a patch of gorse is an absolutely great ecosystem for the wee birds and insectlife.