Family
Fabaceae
Distribution in Canada
Found in BC
Duration of life cycle
Perennial
Seed/Fruit type
True seed
Seed identification features
Size
- length: 2.0–2.5 mm
- width: 2.0–2.5 mm
Shape
- in outline: heart-shaped
- in cross-section: oval
Surface texture
- smooth, with a slight sheen
Colour
- dark greenish-brown when mature
- light greenish-brown when immature
Other structures
- hilum is located in a notch at the top of seed
- hilum is surrounded on 3 sides by a characteristic tissue (tissue is persistent and is usually found on processed seed)
Similar species
Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius)
- found in BC, NS, PE, and along both coasts of the United States
- similar to common gorse seeds in size (scotch broom seeds are ~0.5 mm longer), shape and the presence of tissue at the top
- light greenish- or reddish-brown (common gorse seeds are darker)
- long oval in outline
Photos
Similar species
