Common Laburnum
Laburnum anagyroides · Fabaceae (Legume, pea, or bean family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Compound, specifically trifoliate with three leaflets, deciduous
Shape
Elliptical to ovate leaflets
Margin
Entire (smooth edges)
Arrangement
Alternate, borne on long petioles arising from the woody stem
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent central midrib and branching lateral veins on each leaflet
Key Features
Distinctive trifoliate leaves with elliptical leaflets, smooth margins, and the classic pea-family structure combined with olive-green twigs and bright yellow autumn foliage
Description
Laburnum anagyroides is a small deciduous tree or large shrub renowned for its spectacular pendant chains of bright yellow, pea-like flowers that bloom in late spring. The bark is smooth and olive-green when young, turning grey-brown with age. Its trifoliate leaves resemble those of clover on a larger scale and turn a striking golden yellow before dropping in autumn.
Habitat
Thrives in well-drained alkaline to neutral soils, full sun to partial shade, typically found in open woodlands and cultivated gardens
Native Range
Native to the mountains of southern Europe (Alps, Balkans), widely cultivated as an ornamental tree throughout temperate regions globally