Ulex (gorse) on US west coast

[Michael Gross]

I'm posting this for a friend in France who does not have Internet access:
She would like information about the introduction of gorse (Ulex europaeus,
U. galii, U. minor) plants to the U.S. West Coast, specifically California
and Oregon.  Gorse is a leguminous spiny shrub with yellow flowers.   My
friend is specifically interested in learning where the introduced plants
came from, when they were introduced, and why.  If you can help, please reply
to Mike Gross at       mgross at pilot.njin.net           Thanks!