Laburnum source (now resolved thanks).

[OldWood]

Having followed this thread through and mentioned it to someone professional in the trade, his reaction was that one of his major concersn is the poisonous side of laburnum.

Yes, we know about the seeds, but also with yew, does the poison extend into the wood?

 

[marcros]

Well I wouldn't recommend eating it.

 

[AJB Temple]

The leaves and seeds in particular contain cytisine. I am asthmatic and wear a respirator anyway for turning and sanding (plus a cyclone extractor) so I do not expect problems. The finished product is a chair with a finish on it.

Interestingly cytisene is also found in Scotch Broom. When I used to have horses years ago they used to like eating gorse on Chobham common and as Broom grows in the same place they would eat that too sometimes.