Golden-chain tree
Laburnum anagyroidesfam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 4906 — Laburnum anagyroides
Laburnum anagyroidesLaburnum anagyroidesLaburnum anagyroidesLaburnum anagyroidesLaburnum anagyroidesLaburnum anagyroidesLaburnum anagyroidesLaburnum anagyroidesLaburnum anagyroidesLaburnum anagyroidesLaburnum anagyroidesLaburnum anagyroidesLaburnum anagyroidesLaburnum anagyroides
IOverview
Overview
The Golden-chain tree (Laburnum anagyroides) is a deciduous tree native to the mountainous regions of central and southern Europe, including Albania, Austria, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia. This plant thrives in well-drained soils that are dry to moist, with a pH range of 7.5–8, making it suitable for alkaline environments. It can grow up to 6 meters tall and is often used as an ornamental tree due to its cascading clusters of golden-yellow pea-like flowers in early spring. Its light wood and attractive foliage make it a popular choice for gardens and parks.
Quick answers
What is Golden-chain tree?
The Golden-chain tree (Laburnum anagyroides) is a deciduous tree native to the mountainous regions of central and southern Europe, including Albania, Austria, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Golden-chain tree prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, falling within the range of 7.5-8. It thrives in light conditions, rating 7 out of 10, and can tolerate both dry and moist environments. The plant is hardy in temperate regions, tolerating temperatures between 4-8 degrees Celsius. As a perennial tree, it grows to a height of approximately 6 meters. Golden-chain trees can be propagated through seeds or cuttings, but the exact method is not specified.
Light
7/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Tree
Mature size
6.0 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Golden-chain tree for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Golden-chain tree to enjoy its vibrant yellow flowers and easy care.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Golden-chain tree, garden gloves, a spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or early fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 7.5–8; dig a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young trees from containers directly into the garden, ensuring roots are spread out in the planting hole.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist; avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water during dry spells and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or crossing branches; this also helps shape the tree.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular pruning, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Other uses:Pest controlRootstockLumberNitrogen fixerFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
10 native · 20 introduced
Distribution
10 native · 20 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 10 native· 20 introduced
Europe18 regions
native (8)AlbaniaAustriaFranceGermanyHungaryItalyRomaniaSwitzerland
introduced (10)BelarusBelgiumBulgariaFranceIrelandPolandRussiaSpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
introduced (2)IndiaPakistan
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia
introduced:Argentina South, Baltic States, East Himalaya, Jawa, New Zealand North, New Zealand South
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 49068547-78cb-4ed8-be24-6b53a509b293
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