Goldenchain Tree or Waterer Laburnum
Laburnum x watereri
Fabaceae - Legume
Description
Leaves: Alternate; compound; trifoliolate (3 leaflets); deciduous; leaflets elliptic, oblong to obovate, 1-1/4" to 3" long, with pointed tips, glabrous, attached to rachis/petiole with no stalk; bright green; unremarkable fall color.
Twigs/buds: Twigs moderately stout; olive-green, even on older stems; few lenticels; glabrous; older growth has short spur-like shoots. Terminal bud present; small; ovoid; 1/16" to 1/8" long; covered with 2 to 4 silver-haired scales.
Flowers/fruit: Flowers perfect; bright yellow; pea-like; in 6" to 10" long, narrow clusters that hang down; very attractive; blooms in May. Fruit a 1" to 2" long, hairy pod with 6 to 10 small, poisonous seeds; maturing in October.
Bark: Olive-green even on older stems, eventually becoming fissured.
Wood: No information available.
General: A hybrid of Scotch laburnum (L. alpinum) and common laburnum (L. anagyroides), both of which are native to central, southern, and eastern Europe. Shade intolerant. Weak wood and/or branch structure.
Landscape Use: A small tree with a rounded canopy that has outstanding flowers. Plant in groups rather than individually. Doesn't like excessive heat or cold, but withstands high pH. Could be fairly short-lived. All plant parts, and especially seeds, contain a poison, so use with care in public areas or where children play. Zones 5-7.
Cultivars: 'Alford's Weeping', 'Aureum', 'Pendulum', Vossii'.
Characteristics
General
Family | Fabaceae - Legume |
---|---|
Cultivar Availability | Yes |
Hardiness Zone | 5-7 |
Type | Broadleaf |
Utah Native | No |
Growth
Growth Rate | Medium |
---|---|
Mature Height | Low |
Longevity | Medium |
Is Good Under Power Lines | Yes |
Crown Shapes | Oval |
Ornamental
Bark | No |
---|---|
Fall Color | No |
Flowers | Yes |
Foliage | No |
Fruit | No |
Tolerance
Shade | Medium |
---|---|
Salt | Medium |
Drought | Medium |
Poor Drainage | Medium |
Alkalinity | High |
Transplanting | Low |