Common Name : Forsythia

Latin Name : Forsythia

Description : Until the introduction of the "Meadowlark" Forsythia by North Dakota State University, forsythia were not regarded as hardy for the Red River Valley. Now, however, gardeners in the valley are free to enjoy this most useful shrub.

Forsythia are famous for bright yellow blooms which emerge first thing in the spring, even before the plum blossoms. A tough winter can reduce the bloom. In fact, one can sometimes see the snow line on a hedge of forsythia: Below the snow line the branches are rich with bloom, above the line blooms are sparse.

Apart from the bloom, the forsythia makes a thick and vigorous hedge plant. To keep forsythia smaller than six feet requires frequent trimming, as they send out new shoots from the tips of their branches with abandon.

The attractive, thick foliage of the forsythia makes it useful as a either a trimmed, formal hedge or an untrimmed informal hedge.

The Meadowlark is the only variety of forsythia recommended for the valley. Insist upon it, absolutely.