Laburnum (Faboideae) also known as Golden Chain, are native to the mountain regions of southern Europe. Laburnum contains cytosine, an alkaloid that acts similar to nicotine. All areas of the tree are poisonous from its roots to its petals.
The most hazardous part of the Laburnum is its seedpods because they look similar to peapods and are therefore frequently ingested by children. Nausea and vomiting can occur after minimal ingestion, while drowsiness, convulsions, comas, frothing at the mouth and obscured pupils occur after excessive consumption.
Historical accounts of Laburnum poisoning have created an inaccurate notoriety for the tree. If one refrain’s from ingestion, this tree is a safe and attractive addition to any garden!
