Adam's laburnum + Laburnocytisus 'Adamii'
ABOUT
Laburnocytisus 'Adamii', commonly referred to as Adam's laburnum, is a unique plant that showcases an intriguing appearance. This botanical curiosity is actually a graft chimaera, which means it's a combination of two different species. This phenomenon gives Adam's laburnum a distinctive look that is not typically found in other plants. The most striking feature of Adam's laburnum is its flowers. The plant produces blooms in two different colors, often on the same branch. There are yellow flowers that are characteristically similar to those of the common laburnum, resembling pea flowers in their shape and arrangement. These hang in showy, drooping clusters that offer a vibrant display during their blooming season. Intermixed with the yellow blooms, you might also find blossoms in shades of purple-pink, which are more similar to the flowers of a broom plant. Adam's laburnum's leaves are trifoliate, meaning each leaf is composed of three smaller leaflets. The leaves exhibit a green hue, although the exact tone can range from a lighter to a darker green. The leaflets have a smooth, slightly glossy surface with edges that may be either entire or gently serrated. This plant's growth habit is typically that of a small tree or large shrub, with branches that can grow in various directions, giving it a somewhat irregular shape. Since describing the size is not within scope, we won't delve into specifics; however, the structural appearance is influenced by its graft hybrid identity, which can give Adam's laburnum a unique and occasionally unpredictable form compared to more conventional species. The bark of Adam's laburnum is another element of its appearance, providing a sturdy backdrop to its colorful floral display. It has a textured surface that underscores the plant's maturity and adds to its overall aesthetic. Overall, Adam's laburnum is a fascinating plant that captures attention through its dual-colored flowers and unusual genetic makeup. It presents a whimsical appearance that can be both a conversation starter and a horticultural phenomenon to those interested in the marvels of plant genetics.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Adam's Laburnum, Bicolor Tree
Common names
Laburnocytisus 'Adamii'.
ToxicityTo humans
Adam's Laburnum is known for its toxicity. All parts of the plant, including seeds, bark, and leaves, contain cytisine, which is an alkaloid toxin similar to nicotine. Ingestion of any part of the Adam's Laburnum can result in poisoning whose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, confusion, and in severe cases, convulsions, tachycardia (fast heart rate), and even coma. It is important for humans to avoid ingesting any part of this plant to prevent potentially serious health consequences.
To pets
Adam's Laburnum poses a risk to pets such as dogs and cats, as it is toxic to them. Like in humans, the cytisine alkaloid affects pets' nervous systems. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, incoordination, dilated pupils, and potentially, seizures. In high enough quantities, ingestion can be fatal, so pet owners must prevent their animals from chewing on or ingesting any part of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
8 feet (2.4 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Adam's laburnum is known for its striking appearance, featuring a unique combination of two flower colors—yellow from Laburnum and purple from Cytisus—due to its graft hybrid nature.
- Biodiversity support: It provides nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects, which are crucial for the ecosystem.
- Shade provision: Like many trees, Adam's laburnum can provide shade in gardens and parks, which is beneficial during hot weather.
- Aesthetic enhancement: Its distinctive flowers and foliage can enhance the visual appeal of a landscape or garden design.
- Seasonal interest: With its blooming season in late spring, Adam's laburnum adds seasonal interest to the garden when many other plants may not be in their prime.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Laburnum 'Adamii' can be used to create natural wood inlays for furniture and decorative woodwork due to its interesting hybrid wood patterns.
- Given its unique appearance, it is sometimes used in educational settings to display genetic grafting techniques and hybrid vigor in plants.
- The strong branches of Laburnum 'Adamii' may be utilized in the creation of living structures, such as arbors or green tunnels in gardens.
- The wood of Laburnum 'Adamii' can be crafted into musical instruments, particularly ornamental pieces that showcase its distinctive coloration.
- With its striking blend of colors, this plant can be used in landscape art to create striking natural contrasts and focal points.
- The tree can be employed in biomass plantings as part of rural development projects focused on renewable energy sources.
- Laboratories might use samples of Laburnum 'Adamii' for genetic research due to its unique hybrid status.
- Fallen petals and leaves of Laburnum 'Adamii' could be utilized as a natural dye in textile arts, producing unique color variations.
- Wood turners may prize the unusual wood of Laburnum 'Adamii' for creating one-of-a-kind, artisanal bowls and other turned objects.
- This plant could be incorporated into agricultural windbreaks or shelterbelts, due to its height and dense foliage.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Adam's Laburnum is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Plant Symbolism- Duality: Laburnocytisus 'Adamii' is a graft-chimaera, which means it possesses characteristics of both its parent plants (Laburnum and Chamaecytisus). Therefore, it symbolizes the coexistence of dual nature or personalities within one entity.
- Rarity: Due to its unique and rare botanical background, this plant often represents rarity or something exceptional in the world of botany and can symbolize uniqueness in a broader context.
- Transformation: The plant's ability to exhibit two sets of characteristics mirrors the concept of transformation and change, symbolizing adaptability and the merging of different traits or ideas.
- Beauty in Combination: With flowers of different parent plants blooming on the same branches, Laburnocytisus 'Adamii' showcases how different elements can come together to create something beautiful, symbolizing union and harmony.
WaterThe Adam's Laburnum requires moderate watering, and the amount of water needed can vary based on weather conditions and soil moisture. Generally, it should be watered thoroughly once a week with about 1.5 gallons of water. During hot, dry periods, watering frequency may need to increase to twice a week. Ensure the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage deep root development. It's crucial to avoid over-watering and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
LightAdam's Laburnum thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant would be a location where it can receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, some protection from the intense afternoon sun can be beneficial, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureThe Adam's Laburnum can survive in a range of temperatures, with a minimum temperature tolerance around 20°F and a maximum around 85°F. Ideally, this plant prefers temperatures that are consistently between 60°F and 75°F. Sudden temperature fluctuations can be harmful, so it's best to plant it in a location that doesn't experience extreme temperature changes.
PruningPruning the Adam's Laburnum is important to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. It should be pruned immediately after flowering, typically in late spring or early summer, to remove any dead or diseased branches and to shape the plant. Pruning can also help to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. Prune sparingly as excessive pruning can reduce flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAdam's Laburnum prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH ranging from neutral to slightly alkaline. For the best mix, use garden soil, compost, and some sand to ensure good drainage. It is vital to avoid waterlogged conditions.
RepottingAdam's Laburnum, being a graft-chimaera, is generally not grown in containers and does not require repotting. Instead, it is planted directly in the ground where it can reach its full growth potential.
Humidity & MistingAdam's Laburnum thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. As it is typically grown outdoors, it is not usually subject to indoor humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Adam's Laburnum is unsuitable for indoor growing due to its size.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, moderately fertile, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
6-8 USDA
Life cycleLaburnocytisus 'Adamii', also known as Adam's laburnum, starts its life as a seed, which germinates in spring when soil temperatures rise and moisture is sufficient. The seedling develops into a young plant, establishing a root system and beginning to grow leaves and stems. As it matures, it undergoes vegetative growth, forming a woody structure and branches, with the foliage of both parent species, Laburnum and Cytisus. After a few years, typically between 3 to 5, it reaches reproductive maturity and produces flowers, which are a mix of purple and yellow due to its chimera nature, often in late spring. Following pollination, usually by bees and other insects, the flowers develop into pods typical of the Laburnum parent, containing seeds that can be dispersed by wind or animals. The plant has a perennial life cycle, meaning it can live, flower, and set seeds for many years if conditions are favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
Laburnocytisus 'Adamii', commonly known as Adam's Laburnum, is a unique hybrid plant, and propagating it can be quite fascinating due to its chimera nature. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is by grafting typically during late winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant. This involves taking a scion, which is a cutting from the Adam's Laburnum with at least one bud, and then grafting it onto a rootstock, usually a common laburnum. The scion is cut at an angle to maximize the area available for joining, then it is joined to a similarly angled cut on the rootstock. The two pieces are held together with grafting tape or a similar material, ensuring a snug fit so that the cambium layers, the active growing layers, of scion and stock connect. The graft is then sealed with grafting wax or a sealant to prevent drying out and to promote healing, allowing the tissues of the scion and rootstock to fuse together, eventually growing as a single plant.
