The Laburnum or Golden Chain Tree is a common sight in front gardens. It is unusual in that it has dangling chains of yellow flowers in early summer, so it can brighten up a dark corner.
The tree is boring for 49 weeks of the year, so it is not suitable as a specimen tree. If you plant one then plant it in a row of mixed small trees and shrubs.
The Golden Chain tree is fairly fast growing, but quickly develops a leaning habit. The only way to keep it upright is permanent staking using pretty hefty stakes.
After flowering the flowers quickly form brown seed chains.
The main disadvantage that Laburnums have is that they are extremely poisonous. The seeds, flowers, leaves and bark can all cause a child (or an adult) to die if eaten.
We all know how children pick up everything and put it in their mouths, so if you have children around then chop down any laburnum trees.
We all have children around at some point, if not our own then grandchildren and friends’ children. This tree is dangerous. Many poisoners have used its seeds to kill their victims over the centuries.
