Scotch laburnum (Laburnum alpinum, Prir. Rostlin 3: 99 (1830))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (Mill.) Bercht. & J.Presl

Bibliography: Prir. Rostlin 3: 99 (1830)

Year: 1830

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Laburnum

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & SE. Europe

Description

The Scotch laburnum, scientifically known as Laburnum alpinum, is a striking deciduous tree native to Central and Southeastern Europe. Belonging to the Fabaceae family, this plant is renowned for its exceptional beauty, particularly during its blooming season.

Characterized by its pendulous racemes of bright yellow flowers, the Scotch laburnum transforms gardens and landscapes into vibrant tapestries of color in late spring and early summer. The flowers, which are typically arranged in cascading clusters, can reach impressive lengths, contributing to the plant’s elegant appearance. The tree’s leaves are trifoliate, a common characteristic within its family, featuring three leaflets that create a lush green canopy.

Though aesthetically pleasing, the Scotch laburnum is not just about visual appeal. It has a robust adaptability, thriving in various soil types as long as they are well-drained. This versatility enhances its popularity among gardeners and landscapers who aim to create visually stunning and resilient green spaces.

In terms of horticulture, the tree is relatively low-maintenance, demanding minimal intervention once established. However, it’s important to note that all parts of the Laburnum alpinum, particularly the seeds, are highly toxic if ingested. This toxicity necessitates careful consideration in its placement, especially in gardens frequented by young children or pets.

The Scotch laburnum also holds historical significance in botany. First described in the book ‘Prir. Rostlin’ in 1830, its enduring presence in botanical literature underscores its importance and widespread recognition across Europe. The scientific community acknowledges its botanical classification through the work of authors Mill., Bercht., and J. Presl, whose contributions have cemented its nomenclature and identification.

Overall, the Scotch laburnum, with its radiant floral displays and robust adaptability, is a cherished addition to many European gardens, offering a blend of beauty and resilience that captivates nature enthusiasts and gardening aficionados alike.

Common Names

Dan: alpe-guldregn
Deu: alpen-goldregen
Eng: scotch laburnum, scottish laburnum
Nob: alpegullregn
Nno: alpegullregn
Swe: alpgullregn, kaljukultasade
Ita: citiso alpino
Fra: cytise des alpes
Fin: kaljukultasade
Ces: štědrovec alpínsky
Cym: tresi aur alpaidd
En: Scotch laburnum, Scottish Laburnum, Alpine Laburnum, Mountain Golden-chain
Cs: Štědrovec alpínsky
Da: Alpe-guldregn
Nl: Alpen gouden Regen, Alpen Goudenregen, Berg Goudenregen
Fi: Kaljukultasade
Fr: Cytise des Alpes, Aubour des Alpes, Ébénier, Cytise d’Écosse, Aubours des Alpes
De: Alpen-Goldregen, Alpengoldregen, Alpischer Bohnenbaum
It: Citiso alpino, Avornio di monte, Maggiociondolo alpino, Maggiociondolo di montagna
Nb: Alpegullregn
Nn: Alpegullregn
Es: Citiso de los Alpes, Codeso de los Alpes
Sv: Alpgullregn, Kaljukultasade
Cy: Tresi Aur Alpaidd

Synonyms

• Cytisus angustifolius (Moench)
• Spartium alpinum (Host ex Steud.)
• Cytisus alpinus var. pilosus (Wettst.)
• Cytisus laburnum subsp. alpinus ((Mill.) Bonnier & Layens)
• Laburnum biflorum (G.Nicholson)
• Laburnum alpinum var. autumnale (Bean)
• Laburnum alpinum var. pilosum ((Wettst.) Koehne)
• Genista alpina ((Mill.) Scheele)
• Cytisus alpinus (Mill.)
• Cytisus alpinus var. pendulus (Loudon)
• Laburnum alpinum f. autumnale ((Bean) Rehder)
• Laburnum alpinum var. pendulum ((Loudon) G.Kirchn.)
• Laburnum alpinum f. pendulum ((Loudon) Zabel)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 7, 2022 by Annika K (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2020 by stephane ragon (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2018 by orsatus (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2019 by gasparetto luciano (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 26, 2020 by leucospermum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Sasha Ince (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Sasha Ince (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2020 by luca luca (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Gislaine Tollerep (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by Giovanni Bodritti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2020 by Zitelli Francesco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 13, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Jani Zadrgal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Ivana Vidov Anić (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 12, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2020 by Ungrova M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2020 by David Jeanmonod (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2022 by Tomaž Jančar (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 16, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 16, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5356343)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:501425-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Laburnum alpinum (Mill.) Bercht. & J.Presl)

Specifications

Growth habit: Tree

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 6

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 4