gorse crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the "gorse crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and enhance your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "gorse crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WHIN: A traditional and often used alternative name for gorse, particularly in some British dialects.
BUSH: Gorse is fundamentally a type of bushy plant, making this a general but valid answer.
5 Letters
FURZE: This is arguably the most common crossword answer for gorse, widely recognized as another name for the plant.
SHRUB: Botanically, gorse is classified as a shrub, fitting this description.
10 Letters
SPIKYPLANT: A descriptive answer highlighting gorse's most distinctive physical characteristic, its sharp thorns.
YELLOWBUSH: Describes gorse by its typical vibrant yellow flowers and its overall form.
More About "gorse crossword clue"
Gorse, a resilient and often iconic plant of the British Isles and western Europe, is a popular subject in crosswords due to its distinct features and multiple common names. Known scientifically as Ulex europaeus, this evergreen shrub is easily identified by its dense, thorny stems and brilliant yellow, pea-like flowers that can bloom almost year-round, filling the air with a coconut-like scent.
In crossword puzzles, clues like "thorny shrub" or "prickly bush" might lead to gorse, but its alternative names are frequently sought answers. "Furze" is perhaps the most ubiquitous synonym, often appearing as a 5-letter solution. "Whin," a 4-letter alternative, is also very common, particularly in regional contexts. Understanding these variations is key to solving gorse-related clues quickly.
Beyond its botanical identity, gorse holds cultural significance, often associated with wild landscapes and coastal areas. Its hardiness allows it to thrive in nutrient-poor soils, making it a common sight on moors, heathlands, and coastal cliffs. Its presence in crosswords often reflects its familiar place in the natural world and the rich vocabulary surrounding common flora.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms: For clues like "gorse," always think about common synonyms or alternative names (e.g., furze, whin). Crossword setters love these.
- Check letter count: The number of letters in the answer is your biggest hint. Always filter your potential answers by the exact length required.
- Look for descriptive clues: If a clue describes a plant's characteristic (e.g., "spiky," "yellow-flowered"), it might be leading to a more descriptive answer if direct synonyms don't fit the length.
- Use intersecting letters: Don't force an answer. Use letters from solved intersecting clues to confirm or narrow down possibilities for the gorse clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'gorse'?
Gorse is a thorny evergreen shrub belonging to the pea family, native to western Europe, and known for its vibrant yellow, fragrant flowers.
Why is 'gorse' a common crossword clue?
Gorse is a common clue due to its distinctive characteristics (spiny, yellow flowers) and having several short, alternative names like 'furze' or 'whin' that fit various letter counts, making it versatile for puzzle constructors.
Are there regional names for gorse?
Yes, 'furze' is widely used, particularly in the UK and Ireland, and 'whin' is another traditional name often heard in Scotland and parts of northern England.