Laburnum alpinum aka Scotch Laburnum

Taxonomy

Laburnum alpinum, also known as the Scotch laburnum, Scottish laburnum, or alpine laburnum, is a deciduous tree belonging to the leguminous family (Leguminosae). This small tree has pendulous branches, giving it a graceful appearance, and it produces racemes of vibrant yellow flowers in late spring. Similar to Laburnum anagyroides, it can reach a height of 5 meters (16 ft) and a spread of 6 meters (20 ft), growing at a fast rate. This species is hardy in zone 5 and blooms from May to June, with the seeds ripening from September to October. The panicles of flowers emit a pleasant vanilla scent and are hermaphroditic, attracting insect pollinators. The fruit takes the form of pods or legumes, initially green but turning shiny black as they mature. While the leaves possess cholagogue and purgative properties, it is important to note that all parts of this plant are highly toxic if consumed in large quantities and should never be ingested or used internally.

Common names

Scotch Laburnum, Scottish Laburnum, Alpine Laburnum

How to care for Scotch Laburnum

Difficulty

Caring for Scotch Laburnum is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Scotch Laburnum should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Scotch Laburnum requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Scottish Laburnum is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Scotch Laburnum to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Scotch Laburnum grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Scotch Laburnum’s native range is C. and S. Europe. Naturalized in Northern Britain.


More info:
Wikipedia