Forsythia
(Forsythia x intermedia)

A true harbinger of spring, the forsythia usually is the first shrub to bloom, with yellow-gold flowers appearing before the leaves. Blooms are single, up to 2 inches long, with a trumpet shape. Branches are stiff, yet slightly arching to fountain shape. Foliage is medium to deep green. Fast-growing, forsythia reaches a height of 8 to 10 feet.

Soil: Any type
Light: Full sun or light shade
Zone: 5

Comments
Forsythia is useful as a specimen plant and in hedges, screens, or borders. Bring an early spring into your house by cutting off several branches and forcing them into early bloom. Good varieties include: Beatrix Farrand, Lynwood Gold, Spectabilis, Spring Glory, and Arnold Dwarfi Other good species are F. suspensa (weeping) and F. ovata (Korean).