The term WHIN is a collective term for two plants, GORSE and FURZE. GORSE is a spiny evergreen shrub with yellow flowers that is native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. FURZE is a spiny evergreen shrub with yellow flowers that is native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Both plants are often found in dry, sandy soils and are used as hedges or windbreaks. They are also used for fuel and as a source of food for livestock.