L. alpinum (Scotch laburnum) and L. anagyroides (common goldenchain tree) are also available, but there seems little practical difference. This hybrid cultivar is considered the best, with denser habit, faster growth, and longer flower racemes with slightly richer color.
Legendary bloom (UConn uses the phrase "nothing compares"). Light shade facilitates turf growth and other underplanting.
Remove seedpods if possible. Not very heat tolerant. Do not overwater. Stoecklein claims nitrogen fixing, but I have found no other sources to corroborate this (between this and Cercis canadensis, I expect that he just labeled everything in the legume family as nitrogen-fixing).
Intolerant of heat and humidity; afternoon shade recommended where summers are hot. Bark can get sunscald. Branch strength is debated.
All parts poisonous.
Sources: UFL, Sunset, Stoecklein, UConn, Missouri BG, Cal Poly, Dirr/Warren.
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