In nature there are two very similar trees, but with different climatic conditions. Both are popularly known as "Golden Rain", and it is not that they make it rain gold, but their flowers grouped in clusters that hang down from the tree, are very reminiscent of the yellow color of the sun. And for many cultures the star king is a treasure thanks to which life exists.
We talk about some ideal trees for small gardens whose scientific name is, on the one hand, Laburnum, a tree that we will only find in cool climates; and on the other hand we have the Cassia fistula, a large shrub or small tree ideal for warmer climates.
Laburnum care
El Laburnum it is a tree that can reach 6-7 meters in height. It is distributed mainly in southern Europe, living in the mountains. It is ideal for small gardens, which enjoy a temperate climate all year round; Although it could adapt to the cool Mediterranean climate, as long as it did not lack humidity, but it would not bloom because the summer would weaken it and it would not have the energy to bring out its beautiful yellow flowers.
You need fresh, fertile soils. It can be potted and even formed as a bonsai. But it must be taken into account that all parts of this tree are poisonous. Knowing this, you can properly enjoy the Laburnum. If you want to know how their seeds are sown, take a look at our video:
Cassia fistula care
La Cassia fistula It is a large shrub or small tree that does not usually exceed five meters in height, native to the northeast of Africa reaching Asia. Its growth is fast, and it also has yellow flowers. This species is ideal for hot climates, but not so much for cool climates, since it does not support frosts except the mildest ones.
It does not need to have as much humidity as the Laburnum, in fact, as an adult it can withstand brief periods of drought. In addition, it has medicinal properties such as laxative properties, to correct constipation or cough.
Which of the two Golden showers did you like the most?
Another tree that rains gold is the Tecoma stans, which at least where I live (Bogotá) is the most common ……. I'm getting addicted to this page.
excellent cassia fistula for the warm climate thanks for the knowledge I acquired regarding this tree
Hi Madeleine.
I'm glad it served you.
a greeting
Good morning, excuse me, I live in a fairly hot climate (Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico) and we really like the golden rain, until now that I see your article I have been learning that there are different species, very good by the way, well now I know that I must get a cassia fistula, my doubts are two, the first is if this tree, like the lumburum, is toxic to children and if so, what care should be taken to be able to teach your children and second when buying in a greenhouse such as Can I make sure that it is a cassia that I acquire?
Thanks for your time!
Correcting is Laburnum I did not realize that I change the word the corrector,?
Hello Victor.
No, Cassia fistula is not toxic 🙂
Regarding your other question, flowers and leaves are very different. Here I leave you the article about their care so you can see it.
A greeting.
Hello, I really like that "golden shower" tree. What consequences would a child or adult have when having a tree of these in the garden when touching flowers, leaves, stem or sucking them, what is the problem?
Hi Irma.
This tree contains an alkaloid called cytisine, which causes nausea and vomiting if any of its parts are ingested.
If you live in a warm climate, without frosts or very mild, I recommend more to put a Cassia fistula, which is very similar but is not toxic. Here you have an article with their care.
A greeting.
I have a seed that I don't know which of the two it is …… how do I know ???? It is a long dark brown pod….
Hello German.
Laburnum seeds are rounded, while Cassia seeds are more elongated.
a greeting
Galindo I have 4 little golden rain trees and the baina was long and about 2 inches in diameter I would like to know which of the two paired trees it is and how many degrees it supports cold I live in houston texas in the United States of America here the temperature goes up to 18 degrees
Hi Viridiana.
You have 4 Laburnum 🙂. They support up to -18 degrees Celsius.
A greeting.
Hello, I brought to Nuevo León Mexico a pod that I cut in Mazatlán Sinaloa, I did the hot water procedure etc, now I have two 5 cm seedlings but I do not know what species they are, if it is Cassia I will stay with it but if not I cut them because of how toxic you comment,
Hi Cesar.
As an image is worth a thousand words, I am attaching two images so that you can better know which trees you have:
Fruit of the Cassia
Fruit of the Laburnum
This image is from the web The Poison Garden.
A greeting.
I loved the Cassia fistula if I was right to write. Is it possible to find in Argentina? I live in La Rioja. Which according to the description fits.
Hello Gabriela.
In Argentina I don't know how to tell you, but on eBay they sell seeds which you only have to enter 1 sec. in boiling water and 24h in water at room temperature to awaken them, and then sow them in pots with universal cultivation substrate.
They germinate very easily and quickly, in 2-3 weeks.
A greeting.
I love the golden rain tree but I would not like to plant one that grows very tall which is the smallest. Could you tell me the name of the tree in English because I live in Florida.
Thank you very much
Hello Maria.
If you like the golden rain tree, I recommend the Cassia fistula, which withstands high temperatures better and grows less (5 meters).
The common English name is Golden Shower Tree.
A greeting.
What medicinal properties does the cassia fistula plant have?
Hi Celia.
The pulp of the pods is used as a laxative, to treat respiratory (colds, flu, cough) and urinary conditions. Also for chickenpox and diabetes.
The decoction of the leaves is used to treat kidney diseases. And topically the leaves are used to treat wasp stings.
The pulp of the fruits is used for bumps and bruises, rheumatism, tumors and as a complementary treatment for cancer.
A greeting.
HELLO GOOD AFTERNOON, I WANT TO PLACE THIS TREE IN A VERY SMALL GARDEN, NEAR A WALL, MY QUESTION IS IF THE ROOT DOES NOT AFFECT THE FOUNDATIONS. THANK YOU.
Hi Magali.
If you put the Cassia fistula you will have no problem.
Laburnum anagyroides can only live in cold-temperate climates, and has invasive roots.
A greeting.