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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees
Laburnum anagyroides
golden chain tree
FabaceaeEurope
At a Glance
TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m)
Width10–20 feet (3–6 m)
Maturity10 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
5 - 9Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (light)
Maintenancelow
Overview
Laburnum anagyroides, commonly called golden chain tree or common laburnum, is a small deciduous tree in the family Fabaceae native to the mountains of central and southern Europe. It is among the most spectacular of all small flowering trees for Pacific Northwest gardens, producing pendulous racemes 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) long of bright golden-yellow, pea-like flowers in May — a cascading curtain of gold that is brief but unforgettable. The trifoliate leaves with three softly hairy, grey-green leaflets 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) long emerge with the flowers in spring. Trees typically grow 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) tall with an irregular, often multi-stemmed, vase-shaped to broadly arching crown and smooth, grey-green bark on young stems, becoming darker and shallowly furrowed with age. A critical safety consideration: all parts of L. anagyroides — seeds, pods, bark, leaves, and flowers — are highly toxic if ingested, containing the alkaloid cytisine; the shiny black seeds enclosed in flat, pea-like pods are particularly dangerous and resemble edible legumes. This tree requires careful siting away from areas frequented by young children. The superior garden hybrid Laburnum x watereri 'Vossii', which produces longer racemes and sets far fewer seeds, is generally preferred for modern garden use, but the species remains important for botanical identification. Thrives in Pacific Northwest conditions with no serious pest or disease problems.
Native Range
Native to the mountains of central and southern Europe — from France, Switzerland, and Germany through Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, northern Italy, and the Balkans — growing in rocky slopes, scrubland, and open woodland margins in well-drained, often calcareous soils at low to mid elevations. Widely naturalized outside its native range. Not native to North America.Suggested Uses
Laburnum anagyroides is one of the most spectacular small flowering trees for Pacific Northwest gardens, delivering a brief but stunning cascading golden display in May unmatched by any other small tree of comparable hardiness. Outstanding as a specimen in mixed borders and shrubberies, or trained over a pergola or arch to create a laburnum tunnel effect. All parts are highly toxic — site carefully away from areas used by young children; the hybrid Laburnum x watereri 'Vossii' with its reduced seed set is generally recommended over the species for family gardens. A Great Plant Pick for Pacific Northwest gardens. Excellent combined with Allium, Wisteria, and late spring bulbs.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 25'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Colors
Flower Colors
yellow
Foliage Colors
green
Fall Foliage Colors
yellow
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
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Spring
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright golden-yellow; pea-like, in pendulous racemes 8–12 inches (20–30 cm); lightly fragrantFoliage Description
Alternate, trifoliate; three oval, softly grey-green hairy leaflets 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm); grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Requirements
pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaychalksand
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Low
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
8–12 years
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. L. anagyroides thrives in a wide range of soils including chalk and clay, provided drainage is adequate — waterlogged soils are not tolerated. Excellent adaptation to Pacific Northwest conditions; one of the most reliable spring-flowering trees for the region. Water regularly for the first two to three years; established trees are largely self-sufficient and moderately drought-tolerant. All parts are highly toxic — site carefully away from areas frequented by young children; remove seed pods as they form to reduce toxicity risk. No serious pest or disease problems; silver leaf can occasionally affect laburnum — avoid large pruning wounds.Pruning
Prune immediately after flowering (late May–June) if shaping or size control is needed. Remove dead, crossing, or weak branches at this time. Avoid autumn and winter pruning — laburnum bleeds heavily from dormant wounds and blooms on old wood, so winter pruning removes flower buds. For training over a pergola or arch, tie in new growth after flowering and shorten laterals to two to three leaves. Remove seed pods promptly, particularly in family gardens with young children, to reduce the toxic seed hazard.Pruning Schedule
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late spring