🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
While visually stunning, Laburnum is primarily ornamental in permaculture due to its toxicity. Its dense canopy provides shade and shelter for wildlife. It's sometimes used as a nitrogen fixer, though caution is needed due to its poisonous nature. Avoid planting where livestock or children have access. The wood is hard and dense, sometimes used for turning. There are no edible parts.
Permapeople description
The Golden-chain tree, scientific name Laburnum anagyroides, is a flowering tree native to the mountain regions of Central and Southern Europe. It is a deciduous tree with a rounded crown, and it can grow to a height of 10-15 meters. The tree has lance-shaped leaves and clusters of yellow, pea-like flowers that hang from its branches. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and bloom in the spring.
The Golden-chain tree prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is hardy and can tolerate a range of growing conditions, but it does not tolerate drought well. To cultivate the tree successfully, gardeners and farmers should plant it in a location where it will receive plenty of sunlight and water it regularly.
The Golden-chain tree is not edible, and all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. However, the tree is valued for its attractive flowers and sweet fragrance. It can be used as a garden ornamental, and its flowers can be used in floral arrangements. The tree is also a popular choice for bonsai cultivation.
In addition to its ornamental value, the Golden-chain tree has some medicinal properties. The bark and leaves of the tree have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs and colds. However, it is important to note that the plant is toxic and should not be used medicinally without the guidance of a qualified professional.
In terms of its value for wildlife, the Golden-chain tree is an important source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. The tree's flowers attract a variety of insects, including butterflies and hoverflies. The tree is also a food source for some species of birds and small mammals.
Botanical description
Laburnum anagyroides is a deciduous tree native to Central and Southern Europe. It typically grows to a height of 15-25 feet with a similar spread. The bark is smooth and greenish-brown when young, becoming gray and fissured with age. Leaves are trifoliate, with oval leaflets that are 2-4 inches long. The most striking feature is its pendulous racemes of bright yellow, pea-like flowers, which appear in late spring and early summer. The fruit is a pod containing several black seeds. All parts of the plant, especially the seeds, are highly poisonous due to the presence of quinolizidine alkaloids.
Companion planting
Due to its toxicity and specific soil preferences (well-drained), companion planting with Laburnum is not a common practice. It generally prefers to grow independently and may inhibit the growth of some plants nearby through allelopathy or by competition for resources.
Propagation methods
Propagation is typically achieved through seeds, although scarification or stratification may be necessary to improve germination rates. Cuttings can also be used, but rooting can be challenging. Grafting onto Laburnum alpinum rootstock is sometimes employed to create more vigorous plants.
History and traditions
Laburnum has a long history as an ornamental tree, prized for its spectacular floral display. It has been cultivated in gardens since the 16th century. In folklore, it's associated with both beauty and danger. The wood has been used for various crafts, but its toxicity has always been a consideration.
Usage calendar
Flowering: Late Spring/Early Summer (May-June). Seed Collection: Late Summer/Early Autumn (August-September). Planting: Spring or Autumn. Pruning: Late Winter/Early Spring (to remove dead or damaged wood).