Laburnum

Description

Laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides) is a deciduous tree or shrub that belongs to the pea family (Fabaceae). It is native to central and southern Europe and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. The plant boasts beautiful, pendulous, yellow flowers that bloom in early summer, which are followed by long, slender, green pods that can reach up to 10cm in length. The plant’s leaves are compound and consist of three leaflets that are ovate and shiny with a dark green color. The plant’s pods are poisonous and should be handled with caution.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Fabales
Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Laburnum

Appearance

The Laburnum plant is a medium-sized tree or shrub that can grow up to 10m in height. It has a rounded or irregular crown with smooth, gray bark that becomes fissured as the plant ages. The leaves are compound and consist of three leaflets that are ovate and shiny with a dark green color. The flowers are the plant’s most striking feature, with long, pendulous clusters of bright yellow, pea-like blooms that hang from the branches. The flowers bloom in early summer and last for several weeks, after which the plant produces long, slender, green pods that can reach up to 10cm in length.

Care Guide

The Laburnum plant is relatively easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. It prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and should be watered regularly during the growing season. The plant should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-7.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Laburnum plant is relatively pest and disease-free but can be susceptible to a few common problems. The plant can be attacked by aphids, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by powdery mildew, which can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. The plant’s pods are poisonous and should be handled with caution.

Habitat

The Laburnum plant is native to central and southern Europe and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate drought conditions. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-7.

Question and Answer

Q: Are the Laburnum plant’s pods poisonous?

A: Yes, the plant’s pods are poisonous and should be handled with caution.

Q: What is the Laburnum plant’s preferred habitat?

A: The Laburnum plant prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate drought conditions.

Q: What are some common pests that can attack the Laburnum plant?

A: Aphids can attack the Laburnum plant, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Q: What is the Laburnum plant’s hardiness zone?

A: The Laburnum plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-7.

Related Plants

• Wisteria
• Glycine
• Cytisus
• Genista

References

• “Laburnum anagyroides.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b570.
• “Laburnum anagyroides.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/9675/Laburnum-anagyroides/Details.
• “Laburnum anagyroides.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/laburnum-anagyroides-profile-3269314.