laburnum

laburnum (lubûr'num) [key]or golden chain,small tree (Laburnum anagyroides) of the family Leguminosae (pulse family) with decorative dark green leaves and sprays of bright yellow flowers. It is native to Europe, where, as in America, it is widely grown for ornament. The leaves and seeds are poisonous to cattle. The durable and hard heartwood takes a high polish; it is used in cabinetwork for inlays. The laburnum is also called the bean tree. Laburnum is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Rosales, family Leguminosae.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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