Laburnum anagyroides

Golden rain

Common names: Bohnenbaum

Photo: Krzysztof Golik · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

This description was machine-translated.

Description

Laburnum anagyroides, commonly known as golden rain or bean tree, is a small tree or large shrub that reaches 4 to 7 m in height. In mid‑May to early June (week 20 to 23) it produces long, pendulous clusters of bright yellow flowers that transform gardens into a striking display. After flowering it bears decorative but poisonous seed pods that may remain hanging into the autumn. All parts of the plant are highly toxic, especially the pea‑shaped seeds in the pods.

Care instructions

Plant in a sunny to partially shaded position with well‑drained, calcareous soil. Water regularly during the first two years if dry, then the plant tolerates drought well. Prune only when necessary, immediately after flowering in June, to allow flower buds to mature for the next year. Remove wilted flower clusters and resulting pods promptly, especially if children or pets are present. The safest location is away from play areas and fruit‑bearing beds.

Soil & site

Soil pH

4.0pH 6–7.88.0

Soil type

well-drained, lime-loving, loamy, dry

LightFull sun

HardinessHardy

Feeding

Light feeder

Pruning

MonthsJul–Aug

SeasonSummer (after harvest)

Pruning typeThinning cut

Companion planting

Good neighbors

cabbage family (Brassicaceae)

particularly well established

Leguminous plants collect nitrogen in the soil, from which Brassicaceae benefit as heavy feeders.

For example White cabbageKohlrabiRadishKalebroccolicauliflower and 34 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

carrot family (Apiaceae)

Peas and beans provide carrot and celery with nitrogen and grow as shallow-rooted plants without competition next to each other.

For example Carrotcelery rootDillParsleyCarrot fennelCoriander and 19 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

gourd family (Cucurbitaceae)

Beans and peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, which cucurbits, as heavy feeders, can make good use of.

For example CucumberPumpkinCourgettepickling cucumberButternutHokkaido and 14 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

Rather not

amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae)

particularly well established

Allium species inhibit the nitrogen‑fixing rhizobia of legumes through their root exudates, which slows their growth.

For example GarlicOnionLeekChivesDaffodilRocambole and 12 more species in the catalogue

Source: basic crop‑rotation rule

Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.

Some of these explanations were machine-translated.

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