Laburnum alpinum

Laburnum alpinum, commonly known as the Alpine laburnum, is a deciduous shrub or small tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. Native to the mountainous regions of central and southern Europe, it can reach heights of up to 10 meters. The plant features a dense crown of bright green pinnate leaves, each with three leaflets. In late spring to early summer, Laburnum alpinum produces captivating clusters of bright yellow flowers that dangle from its branches. These highly fragrant flowers are particularly attractive to bees and other pollinators. The plant prefers well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade but can adapt to a wide range of soil types. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant. While Laburnum alpinum is a visually appealing ornamental plant, it is important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. The seeds, in particular, contain cytisine—a potent alkaloid similar to nicotine—which can cause severe poisoning if consumed in large quantities. Overall, Laburnum alpinum makes an excellent addition to any garden due to its striking appearance during the flowering season, but it should be handled with care due to its toxic nature.

Characteristics

Plant Type

Tree

Life Cycle

Perennial

Genus

Laburnum

Family

Fabaceae

Hardiness Zone

5-7

Mature Height

4.88 m

Mature Spread

6.1 m

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Deciduous

Flower Color

Yellow, Gold

Flower Size

2.54 cm to 5.08 cm

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring

Planting Time

Spring, Summer

Harvest Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Native Area

Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Serbia, Slovakia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, France

Tags (6)

Common Names (4)