A small deciduous tree or large shrub, it is a popular garden plant, called golden chain tree for its spectacular display of hanging clusters of yellow pea-like blossoms.

[2] It can be trained to take forms such as arches and espaliers.

The best known cultivar is 'Vossii', which has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

[3] Growing eventually to 8 m (26 ft) tall and broad, it bears pendent 60 cm (24 in) racemes of bright yellow flowers in spring.

[3] All parts of the plant are poisonous, although mortality is very rare.