Fabaceae FAMILY Least Concern

Laburnum alpinum

Edibility

0/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & Hazards

All parts of the plant contain the toxic alkaloid cytisine. Its molecular structure has some similarity to that of nicotine and it has similar pharmacological effects. It is sometimes used as an aid to stopping smoking, and it is also sometimes used recreationally, where it can induce a nicotine-like intoxication. Negative side effects can include nausea, vomiting, convulsions, heart pain, headache and, in larger doses, even death via respiratory failure.

Botanical Description

Laburnum alpinum is a deciduous tree with a short, sturdy bole; it usually grows to 6 metres tall, occasionally reaching 9 metres[ 11 Title Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Publication Author Bean. W. Publisher Murray Year 1981 ISBN - Description A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures. ]. The plant is occasionally harvested from the wild for its wood, and perhaps also for medicinal use. It is used as a rootstock for related ornamental plants and is often grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its floral display in the spring. Laburnum alpinum has a wide range and its population is likely to be large. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeC. and S. Europe - France, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, through the Balkans to Greece

HabitatStony hillsides[ 200 Title The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. Publication Author Huxley. A. Publisher MacMillan Press Year 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5 Description Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed. ] of mountain woodlands and scrub; at elevations from 500 - 2,000 metres[ 7 Title Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. Publication Author Chiej. R. Publisher MacDonald Year 1984 ISBN 0-356-10541-5 Description Covers plants growing in Europe. Also gives other interesting information on the plants. Good photographs. , 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].