Forsythia intermedia (Oleaceae) - Lynwood gold

Most folks are familiar with the bright yellow flowers that bloom before the leaves on large shrubs in the early spring. These long lived shrubs can be found around old cellar holes locally, outliving the dooryard it once adorned. The Chinese native species, Suspensa, produces a fruit that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is actually in the olive family! This species, however is not hardy in zone 4. It is the parent, however, of several cultivars selected for hardiness. ‘Lynwood gold’ is a standard hardy selection and has a nice upright habit.