Bean melliferous plant, representing a small tree or large shrub from the legume family. It belongs to one of the most poisonous plants in the European part. It is an early summer moderate honey plant.
The content of the article
- 1 Distribution and Description
- 1.1 Varieties
- 2 Significance for agriculture
- 3 Agrotechnics
- 4 Honey productivity
Distribution and Description
Previously, the legume (laburnum) was found only in the wild in the central European part and the Mediterranean. Now the plant is widely cultivated by gardeners of all countries.
Culture is prized for its ornate, decorative look. The plant has long hanging brushes, collected from numerous golden moth densely growing inflorescences.
Varieties
There are three types in total: two natural and one hybrid.
Anagirolytic or anagiroid (Laburnum anagyroides) is the most popularized variety in the family. It is a small, thermophilic tree, growing up to 7 meters in height, with long branches that look like vines. It is often called “golden rain”. It is used for single planting or the formation of flowering urban tunnel arches in parks. Leaves are dark green petiolate, wedge-shaped. The inflorescences are grouped in large panicles, exuding a fragrant aroma. Blossom in May, early June.
Alpine view (Laburnum alpinum) is a tall tree (average height about 10 meters). It differs from the anagirolist variety in larger light green leaves and small flowers in loose, odorless brushes. It dissolves at the end of May, mid-June.
Vaterera (Laburnum watereri) is a hybrid of the two previous species. It is a shrubby heat-loving plant, up to a meter high, or a tree. Feels best in the south. Differs in long dark green leaves (sometimes up to 50 centimeters). Has a pleasant aroma when blooming.
Significance for agriculture
First of all, the legume is a spectacular decorative planting. But, despite the fact that this plant has a bright appearance, it is dangerous to use it for mass urban plantings or in summer cottages.
All of these species are poisonous and dangerous to humans, especially to children and pets! It is important to take precautions when growing such a “landscape decoration”.
However, legume is used in agriculture not only for decorative purposes. Its light gray solid wood lends itself well to processing and is therefore prized as a sturdy material. Previously, bows and crossbows were made from it, and now small wooden figures, sculptures, and musical instruments are carved.
The bush juice is used for the production of drugs used to combat smoking, including homeopathic ones.
Agrotechnics
Wild species are recommended to be bred by seeds in the fall. So you can get a strong frost-resistant plant.
The area is selected with good sunlight. The soil should be rich in organic matter and well-drained. Gardeners feed the tree roots with fertilizers once a month during the growing season. The branches of a young plant are buried in the ground for better wintering.
The hybrid species propagates only by cuttings. The care required is the same. The bush grows quickly – the branches grow 25-30 centimeters per year.
In the first three to four years, the crown of trees or shrubs is formed by cutting off unnecessary branches.
Important! Use rubber gloves when working. The source of toxins is legume juice. It causes vomiting, seizures, excessive drowsiness, and difficulty breathing. Death is possible, especially in young children.
Honey productivity
The plant blooms profusely every year from May to June.
But its inflorescences practically do not attract flying bees, as they produce little nectar. In addition, during this period, a large number of honey plants, more valuable for insects, bloom.
For bee colonies, bean trees and bushes are only moderate pollen. There is no variety of this honey on the market, since it simply does not exist in nature.
