Golden chain tree (laburnum) Laburnum × watereri
Golden chain tree (laburnum) (Laburnum × watereri) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Mountains of central and southern Europe (hybrid of L. anagyroides and L. alpinum). It grows 5–8 m (16–26 ft) tall and 4–6 m (13–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
Plan Golden chain tree (laburnum) in your garden →
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Golden chain tree (laburnum) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 5–8 m (16–26 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–6 m (13–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mountains of central and southern Europe (hybrid of L. anagyroides and L. alpinum) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇫🇷 France, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Golden chain tree (laburnum) toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: seeds, pods, all parts
All parts, especially the seeds, contain cytisine; a common cause of poisoning in children and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Golden chain tree (laburnum)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Golden chain tree (laburnum)
- How far apart should I plant Golden chain tree (laburnum)?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–6 m (13–20 ft).
- Does Golden chain tree (laburnum) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Golden chain tree (laburnum) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Golden chain tree (laburnum)?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Golden chain tree (laburnum) flower?
- From about May for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Golden chain tree (laburnum) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people severely toxic. All parts, especially the seeds, contain cytisine; a common cause of poisoning in children and dogs.
- What grows well with Golden chain tree (laburnum)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Poisonous plants of North Carolina / Plant Toolbox toxicity, NC State Extension
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Long hanging chains of yellow flowers in late spring, famously trained over the laburnum arch at Bodnant Garden in Wales. Plant away from where children play.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis