Golden Chain Tree

(Laburnum anagyroides)

Golden Chain Tree (Laburnum anagyroides)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Laburnum anagyroides, commonly known as Golden Chain Tree, is a deciduous tree native to various habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and grasslands across Southern and Central Europe. It typically grows to a height of 7 meters (23 ft) and features smooth gray bark, dark green spreading branches, and pendulous, pubescent twigs. The tree is renowned for its stunning display of pea-like, golden yellow flowers that are sweet-scented and densely packed in pendulous racemes 10–25 cm (4–10 in) long, blooming prolifically in late spring, usually during May and June. The flowers are highly ornamental and are the main attraction of this species.

The Golden Chain Tree is valued for its vibrant floral display and is often used in ornamental plantings, such as in gardens and parks. It is also suitable for smaller landscapes due to its moderate size. While it prefers well-drained soil, it is adaptable to various soil types, and it thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires moderate watering, especially during dry periods. However, gardeners should be cautious as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, and it can be invasive outside its native range. It is important to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 15-25 feet
  • Width: 15-25 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, forest edges, and grasslands across Southern and Central Europe

Other Names

Common Names: Common Laburnum , Golden Chain , Golden Rain , Golden-Chain , Golden-Chaintree , Peatree , Almindelig Guldregn , Gemeiner Goldregen , Gewöhnlicher Goldregen , Harilik Kuldvihm

Scientific Names: Laburnum anagyroides , Cytisus laburnum , Laburnum anagyroides subsp. anagyroides , Laburnum vulgare , Cytisus alschingeri , Laburnum anagyroides f. quercifolium , Laburnum anagyroides var. pendulum , Laburnum laburnum , Laburnum alschingeri , Laburnum anagyroides subsp. alschingeri

GBIF Accepted Name: Laburnum anagyroides Medik.