Among the wonders of nature that color our landscapes, the laburnum stands out for its charm and mystery (Laburnum anagyroides), a small deciduous tree, also known as laburnum. This shrub, capable of reaching heights of between 4 and 6 metres, is an elegant and distinctive presence in deciduous woods and in gardens where it is grown as an ornamental plant.
With its smooth bark and intense dark green branches, the laburnum stands out for the spectacular nature of its flowering: between May and June, its golden yellow flowers, gathered in long and delicate cluster inflorescences, adorn the branches like small waterfalls bright. These bunches, which can reach 25 centimeters in length, are not only a pleasure for the eyes, but release an intoxicating scent that attracts numerous pollinating insects.
Observing a laburnum in bloom is like immersing yourself in an impressionist painting: an explosion of light and colour, but behind this bewitching beauty lies a dark secret: the entire plant is highly poisonous. From the branches to the flowers, to the seeds contained in the pods, every part of the laburnum contains cytisine, a toxic alkaloid that makes it dangerous for humans and many pets.
Why is laburnum poisonous?
The seeds in particular, contained in the pods, are extremely dangerous, especially when not yet ripe, the ingestion of even a single seed can cause serious symptoms of poisoning: vomiting, abdominal cramps, cold sweats and, in the most serious cases, convulsions and death. The most frequent victims are children, attracted by the curious appearance of the seeds, similar to small beans, but poisoning can also affect adults: cytisine acts rapidly and can be lethal within an hour of ingesting a sufficient quantity .
Strangely, some wild animals such as hares, rabbits and deer appear to be immune to the plant’s toxic effects.
The legends linked to the laburnum
This resistance has fueled various legends and superstitions over the centuries, especially in mountain regions where laburnum is present in abundance. In some traditions, the plant is considered magical and linked to the rites of witches, who would use the wood of the laburnum to prepare potions or even as a “horse” during their sabbats. These popular tales only increase the mysterious charm of a plant which, although beautiful, hides a dark and dangerous side.
Its toxic properties were also well known in agricultural practices: it was used as a perch in chicken coops to protect hens from lice, thus exploiting its ability to keep parasites away.
It was also believed that a piece of laburnum wood inserted into the trunk of another tree caused its death. Furthermore, popular tradition warned against falling asleep under its hair, as it was said to cause severe headaches.
It must be said, however, that, despite its danger, the laburnum remains a highly appreciated plant for its ornamental value. Its inflorescences, compared in beauty to those of wisteria, elegantly decorate parks and gardens all over the world, creating spectacular scenographic effects.
If you find yourself visiting Sissi Castle in Merano, don’t miss the opportunity to admire the specimens of laburnum that adorn the Forbidden Garden. This splendid place, steeped in history and beauty, is home to various botanical species that enrich its charm, and the laburnum, with its golden bunches, adds a fairy-tale touch to the panorama.
How to grow laburnum
Laburnum thrives in temperate climates and with a moderate level of humidity, and is particularly widespread in southern Europe, where it adapts perfectly to calcareous soils. Its wood, characterized by slow growth, is of an intense dark brown color, very hard and heavy. This robustness makes it ideal for turning and cabinet-making work, so much so that it is also called “false ebony” or “avorniello”. Its versatility also extends to the field of violin making, where it is used above all in the construction of wind instruments.
Thanks to its resistance to rot, laburnum wood was once widely used in mountain regions to make palisades, fences and as a brace for vines.
What is the ideal position to plant it
Native to the rocky steppes and dry prairies of central and southern Europe, the laburnum adapts perfectly to sandy and calcareous soils. In the garden, it is essential to ensure good soil drainage: water stagnation in excessively clayey soil can in fact cause root rot and suffocation of the roots, compromising the health of the plant.
For the laburnum to bloom in all its spectacularity, it needs a sunny position, the ideal is to choose an area well exposed to the sun, away from larger trees that could shade the plant. Also consider that once it reaches maturity, this tree can grow to a height of over 7 meters and a width of around 3-4 metres, so it needs adequate space to grow freely.
To make the most of its beauty, it is recommended to plant it in an isolated position, where it can be admired during flowering. After the flowering period, laburnum provides light, bright shade, perfect for creating underbeds with summer flowers and spring bulbs. In some traditions, such as in England, the laburnum is grown in the form of a tunnel, guiding its branches on metal structures, thus creating a breathtaking spectacle when it is in flower.
An important aspect to take into consideration is that the laburnum does not like to be moved. It has shallow roots and is very sensitive to transplanting, so it is essential to carefully choose the place where it will be planted.
How and when to plant laburnum
The best time to plant laburnum is in early spring, this allows the plant to develop a robust root system before summer arrives. During the first years of life, it is important to pay attention to watering, as young laburnum needs a little extra care to grow healthy and vigorous.
Laburnum watering
In the early stages after planting, whether in the garden or in a container of suitable size, the laburnum requires a constant supply of water to encourage good rooting of the roots. However, it is important to avoid water stagnation, as it can cause root rot. Once the plant is well established and begins to grow, water needs are significantly reduced.
Outdoors, natural rainfall is generally sufficient to meet the needs of laburnum, especially in temperate environments. However, during the hotter and drier summer months, additional irrigation may be necessary. In these conditions, it is advisable to water the plant every 10-12 days, being careful not to overdo it with the quantities of water. Although it tolerates short periods of drought, adequate watering during particularly hot summers will help the laburnum remain vigorous and healthy, especially in the initial stages of its growth.
Furthermore, if grown in pots, laburnum will need more attention in terms of irrigation, as the substrate tends to dry out more quickly than soil in the open ground.
Diseases and pests of laburnum
Laburnum is generally a very resistant plant, rarely subject to parasites or diseases, however, in isolated cases, it can be affected by the mosaic virus, which causes the appearance of chlorotic spots on the leaves, followed by yellowish bands along the veins.
In particularly mild and humid springs, an infestation of aphids can occur, which feed on the plant’s sap. Mites can also occasionally infest the laburnum, indicated by the presence of small cobwebs between the axils of the leaves or on the underside. These parasites, while annoying, rarely cause serious damage if treated promptly.
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