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Laburnum anagyroides
golden chain tree
Central and southern Europe — from France to the Balkans; mountain slopes and open woodlands on calcareous soilLearn more
Overview
Laburnum anagyroides is golden chain tree (common laburnum), a small upright deciduous tree growing 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m) tall and 10-20 feet (3-6 m) wide. Pendant golden-yellow racemes 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) of pea-shaped flowers in May — lightly fragrant. Gray-green trifoliate leaves with three oval softly hairy leaflets 1-3 inches (2.5-7 cm). In Fabaceae. Native to central and southern Europe. All parts are highly toxic — the seeds contain cytisine (a nicotinic alkaloid). Ingestion of a few seeds can cause serious poisoning in children. This extreme toxicity is the primary limitation — do not plant where children have access. Often trained over arched pergolas (laburnum walks). The hybrid L. × watereri 'Vossii' has longer racemes (to 20 inches / 50 cm) and fewer seeds. Short-lived: 20-30 years. Does not tolerate hot humid summers — performs poorly in the southeastern US. Nitrogen-fixing. Tolerates alkaline soil (chalk). Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant once established. Zones 5-9. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to central and southern Europe — from France to the Balkans. Found on mountain slopes and open woodlands on calcareous soil.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen tree, trained over arched pergolas (laburnum walks), and in small gardens spaced 10-20 feet (3-6 m). Golden-yellow pendant racemes. All parts highly toxic — not for sites with children. L. × watereri 'Vossii' for longer racemes. Short-lived. Deer-resistant. Zones 5-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 25'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Late spring (May). Pendant golden-yellow racemes 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) of pea-shaped flowers. Lightly fragrant. 3 weeks of bloom. Bee-pollinated. Brown seed pods 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) follow — toxic.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Golden-yellow, pea-shaped, in pendant racemes 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) long; lightly fragrantFoliage Description
Gray-green, alternate, trifoliate with three oval softly hairy leaflets 1-3 inches (2.5-7 cm) longGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade (4-12 hours). Any well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.5 — tolerates chalk and clay. Drought-tolerant once established. All parts highly toxic (cytisine) — do not plant where children have access. Remove seed pods if feasible. Does not tolerate hot humid summers. Short-lived (20-30 years). Prune after flowering (May-June). Deer-resistant. Zones 5-9.Pruning
Prune after flowering (May-June) — remove seed pods if possible to reduce toxic seed production and improve vigor. Remove dead, crossing, or weak branches. Can be trained over arched pergolas. The upright vase-shaped form is natural.Pruning Schedule
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late spring