Laburnum - Golden Chain Tree (Laburnum anagyroides) Golden Rain Wisteria Like Flowering Ornamental Tree

Laburnum - Golden Chain Tree (Laburnum anagyroides) Golden Rain Wisteria Like Flowering Ornamental Tree

Deciduous Tree

Height 7 M 22 Ft

Laburnum, also known as the golden chain or golden rain tree, is a genus of two species of small trees in the subfamily Faboideae, of the pea family Fabaceae. The species are Laburnum anagyroides, common laburnum and Laburnum alpinum, alpine laburnum.

The Golden Chain is a low maintenance, and versatile tree; it is a beautiful flowering, low branching, deciduous tree that will thrive in any soil type, and can be easily shaped. Masses of sweetly scented yellow pea like or wisteria like flowers bloom from May to June ( lasts about 2 to 3 weeks) in a pendulous and clustered cascade that are typically 4 to 8 in long - this tree in bloom adds exceptional colour and vertical interest to any garden, as the vibrant yellow flowers contrast beautifully against the dark green, pinnate foliage.

Grow it as a specimen tree, or train it onto an archway to create a spectacular golden floral walkway, or use it as a shaped ornamental. This variety will also make a perfect compact pot plant to any outdoor space; containers are recommended for all areas outside of Southwestern Ontario and Coastal British Columbia. 

Best of all, the bees and the butterflies love it too! This tree is brilliant for bumblebees and certainly helps their early nests.

Golden Chain flowers are followed by long stringy pods (similar to lupin seed pods).  In its natural habitat of southern and central Europe, laburnum grows on scrubland and hillsides, so it needs well draining soil and full sun. It will grow in partial shade, but it will not produce as many flowers*.  Ensure the soil is well draining as waterlogged soil may kill the plant. NOTE: Laburnum anagyroides contains cytisine, an alkaloid, and all parts of the plant are toxic.