Common Laburnum
laburnum anagyroides
Also known as: ["Golden Chain Tree","Golden Rain Tree"]
Overview
A deciduous tree known for its pendulous racemes of bright yellow flowers in late spring, native to Central and Southern Europe.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Laburnum |
| Botanical Name: | Laburnum anagyroides |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, preferably in a location with some shelter from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–7"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loam with organic matter. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate. Remove up to one-third of old growth if needed, but avoid drastic cuts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate young plants to full sun gradually to prevent scorching. In hot climates, provide some afternoon shade. Indoors, place near a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate the plant for even growth; avoid sudden light changes; monitor for leaf burn in intense sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid waterlogging, especially in winter; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not compacted; mulch to retain moisture; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–7. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C). Tolerates cold but may struggle in extreme heat.
Protect from late spring frosts; water early in the day to reduce heat stress; avoid placing near heat sources indoors.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only in spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; water well after application.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed. Stem cuttings are more reliable for maintaining parent traits.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer for stem cuttings; autumn for seeds after pods mature.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; well-draining seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for stem cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seeds can take several months to germinate and establish.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; heading back to shape; removal of crossing or weak growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage flowering. Avoid heavy pruning after flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune before bud break; remove dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts just above buds.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Laburnum is typically grown outdoors and does not require repotting. If grown in a container, repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound.
Checklist
Choose a larger pot; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water well after repotting; place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water begins to drain from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry before the next watering.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate sand or perlite for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; dieback or delayed growth in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or turn yellow; growth slows or halts; young plants may suffer frost damage.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect young plants with frost cloth; avoid planting in exposed, windy areas.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced; growth may become stunted.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering during heatwaves; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; water thoroughly after fertilizing; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as Laburnum is not heavy feeder. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the cytisine alkaloid found in Laburnum anagyroides. Even small amounts can cause severe toxicity, affecting the nervous system and leading to critical health issues. The plant poses a significant risk to feline health.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe plant's cytisine content is highly toxic to dogs, causing severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects. The alkaloid disrupts normal neuromuscular function, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions if not treated promptly.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicLaburnum anagyroides contains cytisine, a toxic alkaloid that acts as a nicotinic receptor agonist, leading to neuromuscular stimulation and potential respiratory failure. Ingestion can cause severe physiological disturbances, particularly affecting the central nervous system and cardiovascular functions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Laburnum anagyroides toxic to humans?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are highly toxic to humans if ingested.
Q: Does Laburnum anagyroides attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: How often should Laburnum anagyroides be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings, especially during dry periods.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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