Plant Details

Laburnum anagyroides

Laburnum, Golden chain tree

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, harvest period and uses of Laburnum anagyroides.

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General Information

Scientific name: Laburnum anagyroides
Also known as: Laburnum, Golden chain tree

Plant Properties

Layer: Tree
Size: Small
Height: 8.00 m
Width: 5.00 m
Growth Rate: Slow
Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 4-8
Soil Moisture:
Moist, Well-drained
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun, Partial shade

Usage properties

Edible part:
-
Edibility:
(0)
Medicinal:
(0)
Features:
Insecticide, Nitrogen fixer, Wood, Rootstock

Description

This plant is often used as a rootstock for other members of the legume family. The seeds contain the toxic alkaloid 'cytisine'. This has insecticidal properties similar to nicotine (Nicotiana spp.), but it cannot be recommended for use because it must be applied at a concentration that can then be absorbed over a large part of the body with potentially fatal consequences. The wood is coarse-grained, durable, dark in color, and very hard. It can be used as a replacement for ebony. It is highly sought after by wood turners and is used in the production of instruments and furniture, especially where strength and smoothness are important.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/09
End of Harvest: 31/10

Crown Data

Crown Type: Broad weeping
Crown Density: Dense crown