Gorse

Manx Gorse, as described below, is not the same variety that is depicted in the above picture. This wild shrub; which can grow up to 8 ft high, grows everywhere in uncultivated parts of the lowland countryside. It has sharp, spiky leaves and is in flower for most of the year, the blossom being at its best in the early summer, when the Island turns yellow.
Most field hedges are covered in the stuff and the green fields edged with yellow can look quite attractive. The dry stems of dead wood, which can be as thick as your arm, make great logs and burn extremely well
The ground hugging Manx Gorse is found more on higher ground and often grows along side heather. [ see first picture ] Indeed, it is so much part of the Manx scene that the bright yellow colour has been included in the Manx Tartan, along with blue [ sky ]... purple [ heather ] and the white of the Manx cottages.