Golden chain tree
Laburnum anagyroides · Fabaceae
📷 Krzysztof Golik · CC BY-SA 4.0
⚠️ Graine et feuilles contiennent alcaloïdes toxiques. Chiens, chats, enfants : troubles digestifs graves, convulsions possible.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around golden chain tree and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Laburnum
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Type
- Deciduous tree
- Adult height
- 5 to 6 meters
- Flowering
- May to June
- Flowers
- Pendant golden-yellow racemes
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Down to -15 °C
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Laburnum produces striking pendant yellow pods in May-June that are highly ornamental: to maximize this spectacle, apply a balanced fertilizer in spring.
The common mistake
Don't prune laburnum too young or too hard; it takes 3-4 years to develop its characteristic slender structure.
The pro's trick
Let it establish itself before shaping the canopy, then remove only crossing or low-hanging branches.
Care
Exposure
Laburnum thrives in full sun for generous and spectacular flowering. Avoid dense shade, which would reduce flower production. A well-lit location, even in cold regions, promotes healthy foliage development and good tree structure.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year after planting to establish roots well. Once established, laburnum tolerates dry periods well thanks to its deep root system. During prolonged drought, weekly watering maintains healthy foliage.
Soil
Laburnum adapts to most soils, even chalky ones. Prefer well-drained soil, as it fears waterlogging and overly compact soils. Compost enriched with organic matter at planting time speeds up establishment.
Pruning and structure
Prune lightly after flowering (June-July) to maintain a balanced shape and open up the canopy. Avoid severe pruning, which heals poorly. Moderate annual pruning is sufficient to keep a nice appearance and encourage next year's flowering.
Fertilizer
Laburnum, being a Fabaceae, fixes atmospheric nitrogen through its roots and doesn't require nitrogen-rich fertilizer. An annual application of well-decomposed compost at the base in autumn or spring is enough to maintain soil fertility.
Diseases and pests
Laburnum is generally resistant to common diseases. Watch for scale insects in hot, dry climates. Good drainage prevents root rot. Yellow leaves can indicate excess moisture or temporary nutrient deficiency; appropriate mulching usually solves the problem.
Did you know?
Laburnum is famous for its bright golden-yellow flower catkins that hang elegantly in May-June, so beautiful that it's sometimes called the 'golden rain tree'. Warning: all parts of the tree, particularly the seeds, contain alkaloids toxic to domestic animals and livestock, which made its traditional cultivation heavily regulated in pastoral areas.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.