Scientific Name
Laburnum alpinum (Mill.) Bercht. & J.Presl
Common Name(s)
Scotch Laburnum, Scottish Laburnum, Alpine Laburnum, Alpine Golden Chain Tree, Alpine Bea Tree
Synonym(s)
Cytisus alpinus, Genista alpina
Scientific Classification
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Tribe: Genisteae
Genus: Laburnum
Flower
Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: May to June
Description
Laburnum alpinum is a deciduous tree similar to Laburnum anagyroides. It quickly grows to 16 feet (4.9 m) tall and 20 feet (6 m) wide. Leaves are odd-fingered with three single oblong leaves. The leaf margin is smooth, and the petiole is longer than the leaf. The leaf arrangement is alternate.
It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The panicles of yellow, vanilla-scented, pea-like flowers are hermaphrodites (having both male and female organs). The fruits are pods or legumes, with seeds green at first but becoming shiny black.
How to Grow and Care
Choose a growing site that is exposed to full sunlight. The more sunlight, the better the Laburnum will bloom. An exception to this rule is home gardeners who live in USDA zone 8. Laburnums do not tolerate heat well, so gardeners who live in hotter climates should choose a location that gets morning sun but is shaded from direct exposure to hot afternoon sunlight.
Plant your Laburnum in fertile, well-drained soil. These trees are small, about 20 feet (50 cm) in height, so they can also be grown in containers. If you use a container, make sure it has drainage holes.
Water frequently. These trees thrive in cool, moist soils and grow best in climates that have mild, wet summers. Water at least once each week — more often when the weather is hotter than usual.
Fertilize in early spring before bud break. Use a fertilizer formulated for flowering trees and shrubs and one that has a high acid content. Laburnum thrives in high-pH soils. Follow the directions on the package according to the size and age of your Laburnum.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Laburnum.
Origin
Laburnum alpinum is native to Central and Southern Europe.
Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Laburnum
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
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