The laburnum, also known as golden rain or golden shower, got its name from its long, hanging, golden yellow, grape-shaped flower clusters. This splendor attracts countless insects, especially during the flowering season. With the advent of landscape gardens, laburnum came north from southern European countries as an ornamental shrub and is often planted in groups in spacious parks.

• Origin: Southern Europe, southern Central Europe

• Growth height: multi-stemmed, vigorous shrub or small tree up to about 7 m
  
  
• Leaves: alternate; long-stemmed; trifoliate; individual leaflets elongated, elliptical; resemble clover leaves
  
  
• Fruit: 6-8 cm bean-like, brown legumes; these contain individual seeds
  
  
• Soil/location: fairly undemanding and adaptable; needs a sunny spot and likes lime

Special feature:
All parts of the laburnum plant are very poisonous, especially the seeds.