Plant Details

Laburnum x watereri ‘Vossii’

Laburnum, Golden chain tree

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, harvest period and uses of Laburnum x watereri ‘Vossii’.

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Common names

4 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Golden chain tree
  • Laburnum
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Bastaardgoudenregen
French
  • Cytise
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Laburnum x watereri ‘Vossii’
Documented cultivar (RHS): Laburnum × watereri 'Vossii' View name reference ↗

RHS documents 'Vossii' as a cultivar of Laburnum × watereri. The cultivar name distinguishes this selection from other golden chain trees.

Sources [2]
Botanical family: Fabaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Laburnum (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Laburnum, Golden chain tree

Plant characteristics

Layer: Tree
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 7.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Growth rate: Slow
Foliage: Deciduous

Growing 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

Uses

Edible parts:
-
Edibility rating:
(0)
Medicinal rating:
(0)
Functions:
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,' which has insecticidal properties similar to nicotine (Nicotiana spp.). However, it cannot be recommended for use, as it must be used in such a high concentration that it can be absorbed over a large part of the body, with potentially fatal consequences. The wood has a coarse grain, is durable, dark-colored, and very hard. It can be used as a substitute for ebony. It is highly sought after by woodturners and is used in making instruments and furniture, especially where strength and smoothness are important.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 15/08
Harvest ends: 15/10

Crown

Crown shape: Broad weeping
Crown density: Dense crown

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 489126; name ID 2350835; Laburnum Fabr.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.

  2. Royal Horticultural Society Laburnum × watereri 'Vossii'
    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: Name heading and taxonomic status; RHS documents the complete hybrid cultivar name. The Vossii selection must be retained when identifying photographs.

    Source checked on .