Laburnum anagyroides

Trees or shrubs 2–7 m, young growth appressed-pubescent. Leaves: petiole (1–)2–6(–10) cm; leaflet blades elliptic, oblong-elliptic, or elliptic-obovate, 2–6.5 × 1.2–2.5 cm, surfaces appressed silky-pubescent abaxially. Racemes 15–40 cm; axis silky appressed-pubescent; bracts caducous, obovate, 2 × 0.5–1 mm, apex truncate or obtuse; bracteoles caducous, elliptic, 2 × 1 mm, apex subacute. Pedicels (4–)8–15 mm. Flowers: calyx 5 mm, puberulent, abaxial lobes 2 mm longer than lateral, adaxial lobes rounded and connate nearly to apex; corolla 18(–23) mm. Legumes yellowish green, 4–7 × 0.7–0.9 cm, base acute, apex rounded, dull, densely appressed-pubescent, sutures ± winged. Seeds 2–4(–8), black, slightly lunate, 4.5–5 mm. 2n = 20.

Phenology: Flowering late spring–summer.
Habitat: introduced also nearly worldwide in temperate areas..
Elevation: 0–1500 m.

Introduced; B.C., Calif., Mass., Oreg., Utah, Wash., s Europe, introduced also nearly worldwide in temperate areas.

Discussion

A valued and attractive cultivated plant, Laburnum anagyroides was introduced to the flora area in the early nineteenth century. Named forms exist, varying in leaflet shape, indument, and inflorescence compactness. Some cultivars have erect racemes similar to those of L. caramanicum.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa