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Laburnum, Warnford

The Laburnum is indigenous to the mountains of Central and Southern Europe, but is now widely cultivated across Britain. The tree was first introduced to Britain in 1597 at which time the famous medieval herbalist Gerard appears to have grown it under the names of Anagyris, Laburnum, and Bean Trefoil.

All parts of the plant are highly poisonous. It has in the past been recommended as a cure for whooping cough and asthma. Symptoms of poisoning by Laburnum root or seeds are intense sleepiness, vomiting, convulsive movements, coma, slight frothing at the mouth and unequally dilated pupils. In some cases, diarrhoea is very severe. The shrub is seen here hanging over the River Meon.