A small tree, a native of the Alps, much planted in shrubberies and pleasure-grounds on account of its glossy leaves and clusters of beautiful yellow flowers. The laburnum is a very hardy tree, and though of rapid growth its wood is hard, fine-grained, and very durable, and is highly valued by cabinetmakers and turners. It is used also for wedges, pulleys, pegs, bows, handles of knives, and other instruments. The seeds are poisonous.