Laburnum
Laburnum × watereri 'Vossii'
Also called Golden chain tree and Golden rain
Garden plant · TreesEvery part of it is poisonous and the seed pods are the worst — RHS names dogs, rabbits and rodents. It is still worth planting; it is not worth planting where a small child plays unwatched.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 6 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun
- Feed
- Not needed
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Hardy — a very cold winter RHS H6, to -20°C
- Size
- 6 m tall · 6 m across
- Lifecycle
- Tree
- Origin
- A hybrid of two European laburnums
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects dogs.
PeopleHarmful if eaten
The whole plant, and the seed pods most of all.
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS says to wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling it, and names rabbits and rodents alongside dogs.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-11.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.