Scotch Laburnum, Alpine Bea Tree, Alpine Golden Chain Tree
Laburnum alpinum

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Upright or erect.

Laburnum alpinum is a deciduous Tree growing to 5 m (16ft) 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): 5

Where it is found

Stony hillsides of mountain woodlands.

C. and S. Europe. Naturalized in Northern Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

The leaves are cholagogue and purgative. The leaves have a similar effect to tobacco and have thus been used in treating nicotinism. The plant is very poisonous and should not be used internally without expert supervision.

Cholagogue: Increases the flow of bile and its discharge from the body.

Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.

Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.

Other

Rating:

Wood - hard. It is highly esteemed by turners and is used for making musical instruments.

Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Espalier: A tree or other plant that is trained to grow flat against a support (such as a trellis or wall).

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Espalier, Specimen. 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 and in poor shallow limestone soils. Succeeds in cold exposed situations and tolerates industrial pollution. This species is closely related to L. anagyroides. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value. The flowers have a delicious vanilla scent. Plants can be successfully transplanted even when quite large. 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. Special Features:Not North American native, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Blooms are very showy.

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: 4-7

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

Cytisus alpinus.