Laburnum anagyroides

Laburnum anagyroides, also known as the golden chain tree or common laburnum, is a magnificent deciduous small tree that produces long pendulous clusters of delightfully scented golden yellow flowers in late spring. These flowers beautifully contrast with its bright green pinnate foliage. Native to dry and warm regions of Europe, the laburnum thrives in well-drained and dry soils and prefers sunny locations.

Originally from mountainous regions in central and southern Europe, the common laburnum is a large shrub belonging to the legume family, with a spreading or weeping habit that can reach up to 8 m (26.2 ft) in all directions. It has fast growth, approximately 1 m (3.3 ft) per year.It produces long pendulous clusters of fragrant and nectar-rich golden yellow flowers from May to July, depending on the region. These flowers are followed by brown-haired pods containing black seeds. The deciduous foliage is bright green, sometimes greyish, with a hairy underside and composed of 3 ovate leaflets, measuring 3 cm to 7 cm (1.2 in to 2.8 in) in length. The smooth bark is green when young, but cracks and turns grey with age.

Hardy down to -15° C (5° F), Laburnum anagyroides is not demanding in terms of soil type and can grow in well-drained, poor, and limestone soils. It does not tolerate winter stagnant humidity. Provide it with a sunny or semi-shaded and warm location for optimal flowering. It withstands periods of drought well.

The stooling form is the most natural and suitable for this type of shrub. The standard form is not desirable as the stump produces suckers that need to be regularly removed. To create a magical tableau, plant multiple specimens spaced 3 m (9.8 ft) apart on both sides of a pathway: the branches will join together to form an arch from which the clusters will cascade down. Between the plants, install ornamental garlic with upright stems crowned with large pom-poms to mark the path of this vegetal grotto. You can also place it in a country hedge, accompanied by other shrubs such as lilacs, tree-trained wisteria, mock oranges, hazelnuts, Japanese kerrias, or Japanese quinces.

Attention: all parts of the plant are toxic, especially the seeds.