Laburnum, << luh BUR nuhm, >> is a small tree with bright yellow blossoms. Its glossy leaves remain green until late in the autumn. Each leaf is made up of three leaflets. The plant’s seeds grow in thin pods. The common laburnum, native to Asia, is sometimes called golden chain because of its long clusters of yellow flowers. It is used widely as a garden or landscaping plant. This kind of laburnum is somewhat sensitive to cold. The Scotch laburnum is native to southern Europe. It is hardier than the common laburnum and has longer flower clusters. Laburnums have hard, fine-grained wood. The seeds, roots, and other parts of these trees contain a poisonous substance called cytisine.
