Forsythia

Forsythia is a genus of flowering plants in the olive family, Oleaceae. It is named after William Forsyth, a Scottish botanist who was royal head gardener and a founding member of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Description[edit | edit source]

Forsythia are deciduous shrubs typically growing to a height of 1–3 m (3 ft 3 in–9 ft 10 in) and, rarely, up to 6 m (20 ft) with rough grey-brown bark. The leaves are borne oppositely and are usually simple, though sometimes trifoliate with a basal pair of small leaflets. The flowers are produced in the early spring before the leaves, bright yellow with a deeply four-lobed flower, the petals joined only at the base. These become pendant in rainy weather thus shielding the reproductive parts.

Species[edit | edit source]

There are about 11 species, mostly native to eastern Asia, but one native to southeastern Europe. The most commonly horticulturally used species is Forsythia × intermedia, a hybrid of F. suspensa and F. viridissima. Many cultivars have been selected from this cross, including 'Lynwood Gold'.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Forsythia is frequently forced indoors in the early spring. It is also a common landscaping plant, used for hedges and screens. Forsythia also has some uses in traditional Chinese medicine.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Forsythia.com

Forsythia Resources
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