Laburnum, Golden chain tree
Laburnum anagyroides
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Laburnum anagyroides is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Height (m): 6
Where it is found
Woods and scrub on limestone.
C. and S. Europe.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The seed contains the poisonous alkaloid 'cystisine'. This has been used in the treatment of whooping cough and asthma.
Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.
Other
Rating: 4
This plant is often used as a rootstock for other members of the pea and bean family. The seeds contain the poisonous alkaloid 'cytisine'. This has insecticidal properties similar to nicotine (Nicotiana spp.) but cannot be recommended for used since it needs to be used in such a concentration that it can then be absorbed over a wide area of the body with possibly fatal results. Wood - coarse grained, durable, dark coloured and very hard, it can be used as an ebony substitute. It is much in demand among turners, and is used in making instruments and furniture especially where strength and smoothness are important.
Insecticide: Kills insects.
Rootstock: Plants used as the rootstock for grafting scions onto.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
A very tolerant and easily grown plant, it succeeds in almost any soil or situation so long as it is not water-logged. It grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in cold exposed situations and tolerates industrial pollution. Plants can be successfully transplanted even when quite large. The flowers are delicately scented. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. This species is notably susceptible to honey fungus. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is branching: a heart root, dividing from the crown into several primary roots going down and out .
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse or cold frame. Germination is usually very quick and good. Prick out indoor-sown seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Another option is to pre-soak the stored seed for 12 hours in warm water and sow in an outdoor seed bed in early spring. These plants an be allowed to grow on in the seedbed for two years before planting them out in the winter. Cuttings of mature wood in late winter planted in the open ground.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
All parts of the plant, and especially the seed, are poisonous.
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
L. vulgare. Cytisus laburnum.