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Laburnum anagyroides - Medik.

Common Name Laburnum, Golden chain tree
Family Fabaceae or Leguminosae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards All parts of the plant, and especially the seed, are poisonous[1, 61].
Habitats Woods and scrub on limestone[50, 200].
Range C. and S. Europe.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (4 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Laburnum anagyroides Laburnum, Golden chain tree


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Laburnum anagyroides Laburnum, Golden chain tree
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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

L. vulgare. Cytisus laburnum.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Pectoral

The seed contains the poisonous alkaloid 'cystisine'. This has been used in the treatment of whooping cough and asthma[4].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

Insecticide  Rootstock  Wood

This plant is often used as a rootstock for other members of the pea and bean family[11]. 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[4]. Wood - coarse grained, durable, dark coloured and very hard, it can be used as an ebony substitute[4, 11, 46]. It is much in demand among turners, and is used in making instruments and furniture especially where strength and smoothness are important[4, 11, 46, 61].

Special Uses

Food Forest  Nitrogen Fixer  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

A very tolerant and easily grown plant, it succeeds in almost any soil or situation[1] so long as it is not water-logged[11]. It grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in cold exposed situations and tolerates industrial pollution[200]. Plants can be successfully transplanted even when quite large[200]. The flowers are delicately scented[245]. 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[200]. This species is notably susceptible to honey fungus[200]. 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 [2-1].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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The PFAF Bookshop

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse or cold frame[200]. Germination is usually very quick and good[78]. 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[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Cassia fistulaGolden Shower, Purging Cassia, Golden Chain Tree, Indian LaburnumTree18.0 9-11 SLMHNM142
Cassia sieberianaWest African LaburnumTree15.0 10-12 MLMHNDM142
Laburnum alpinumScotch Laburnum, Alpine Bea Tree, Alpine Golden Chain TreeTree5.0 4-7 FLMHSNDM012

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Medik.

Botanical References

1150200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

sven ostergaard   Fri Aug 17 2007

what to do, if poison by the plant, I am

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