Laburnum X Watereri 'Vossii'

A most floriferous cultivar that won the Award of Garden Merit in 2002.

Selected in Holland late in the 19th century, it has remained very popular over the years and is readily seen in gardens up and down the UK.

This small tree produces a wealth of yellow racemes up to 50cm long in spring.

All parts of the plant are highly poisonous as it contains an alkaloid called cytosine.

It thrives on most soils and is particularly effective when grown as an arching avenue.

One of the very best examples of this is at Bodnant Gardens in North Wales where the abundant flowers droop down above you and fill the air with their fragrance.

Much is made of its black seeds being fatal if eaten and rightly so, but occurrences of laburnum poisoning are extremely rare.

Educating children to keep away from this genus is the key.

Mature height: 5-10m