Laburnum anagyroides plant contain cytisine and are poisonous if consumed. The wood is hard and heavy, of a yellow/brown colour, ideal for making posts, for woodturning and as fuel. In the past (and today on historic re-enactments) it was used for making bows. The tree is also known as "false ebony" since the wood from very old specimens could be used in place of ebony. "Laburnum anagyroides" is cultivated as an ornamental tree. The most common ornamental plant in the genus is a hybrid between this species and "Laburnum alpinum" — Laburnum × watereri. The English poet Francis Thompson described the "laburnum"
Laburnum alpinum Laburnum alpinum Laburnum alpinum, the Scotch laburnum, Scottish laburnum or alpine laburnum, is a leguminous, ("Leguminosae"), deciduous tree. "Laburnum alpinum" is similar to "Laburnum anagyroides", it grows to by , at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 5. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The panicles of vanilla scented, pea-like flowers are hermaphrodite (having both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects. The fruit is a pod or legume, the seeds green at first but becoming shiny black. The leaves are "cholagogue" and purgative. All parts