LABURNUM, or a genus of trees and shrubs of the order Leguminoso. The few species, which are natives of southern Europe and western Asia, are characterized by trifoliate leaves and brilliant yellow blossoms in pendulous many flowered racemes produced during late spring and early summer. The larger species yield a very hard, heavy, tough, fine-grained, dark green or brown wood, which can be 'highly polished and is valued for inlaying, cabinet work, turning, etc. The species are also prized for ornamental planting in shrubberies, not only for their flowers, but also for their glossy foliage, which remains green until late in the autumn. No part of the plant is relished by insects, and all parts, but particularly the seeds, are reputed poisonous, containing cytisine, a • purgative and narcotic. Nevertheless the young stems are greedily eaten by rabbits and hares, and may thus be made to serve as a sacrificial protection to other shrub bery. The best-known species, probably, is the
English laburnum (L. vulgare), which some times attains a height of 40 feet but usually not more than 20 feet. It is hardy nearly as far north as Massachusetts. The Scotch la burnum (L. alpinum) is hardier, more erect and rigid, bears broader leaves and much longer and slenderer racemes of dark yellow flowers, and continues in blossom about two weeks later than the preceding. In America they are known as golden-chain or bean-tree. By some botanists it is considered only a form or variety of L. vulgare. Laburnums thrive in any well drained soil in either partial shade or full sun. They are readily propagated by seeds generally spring-sown, and also by layers. Choice vari eties, of which there are many, are grafted upon seedlings.