Laburnum anagyroides

Laburnum anagyroides, also known as the Common Laburnum, Golden Chain or Golden Rain, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to Central and Southern Europe.

Description

Laburnum anagyroides is a small deciduous tree that grows up to 7 meters in height. The leaves are trifoliate, resembling those of some clovers. The flowers are yellow, produced in pendulous racemes up to 20 cm long in spring, which makes the plant highly decorative. The fruit is a legume (pod) up to 8 cm long, containing several seeds.

Distribution and habitat

Laburnum anagyroides is native to Central and Southern Europe. It is often found in woods and hedges and on rocky hillsides. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Cultivation

Laburnum anagyroides is widely grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive yellow flowers. It is hardy and frost tolerant, and can be propagated from seed or by grafting.

Toxicity

All parts of the plant are poisonous, containing cytisine, an alkaloid that affects the nervous system. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, convulsion, and even death.

Uses

Despite its toxicity, Laburnum anagyroides has been used in traditional medicine to induce vomiting and to treat heart conditions. The wood is dense and durable, and is used for making small items such as tool handles and walking sticks.

See also

• List of poisonous plants
• Fabaceae
• Traditional medicine

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