Laburnum alpinum is similar to Laburnum anagyroides, it grows to 5 metres (16 ft) by 6 metres (20 ft), at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 5. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The panicles of vanilla scented, pea-like flowers are hermaphrodite (having both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects. The fruit is a pod or legume, the seeds green at first but becoming shiny black. The leaves are cholagogue and purgative. All parts of this plant are poisonous if consumed in large enough quantities and should not be eaten or used internally.
