Golden-bell (Forsythia suspensa) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Golden-bell is a shrub native to China and grown in U.S. gardens for its yellow flowers, which appear before the leaves open. Its long, arching stems may root where they touch the ground. It is also called weeping forsythia.

Appearance

Growth form: This shrub usually grows 8–10 ft (2.4–3 m) tall and wide. Its arching or trailing stems can root where they touch soil.
Leaves: Leaves grow in opposite pairs. Many are simple, but some are three-lobed or divided into three leaflets; the stem are hollow.
Flowers: Bright yellow, four-lobed flowers line the bare stems in early spring.
Fruit: The fruit is a dry that matures after flowering and splits to release seeds.

Look-alikes

Border ForsythiaForsythia × intermedia

Golden-bell often has long, drooping stems. Border Forsythia usually grows more upright, but cultivated plants vary, so flower-only photos may not be enough.

Why they get mixed upThe hybrid shares the yellow spring flowers and has Golden-bell as a parent.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: gardens and borders
Range: The species is native to China and is grown in the United States. It has also been introduced in several states.
Preferred conditions: It grows best in sun to partial shade and in moist, well-drained soil, but established shrubs tolerate a range of garden soils.

Growing it

Propagation: Low stems can layer naturally by rooting at the ground. Gardeners also propagate plants by cuttings and .

Name and classification

About the name: Some Golden-bell plants have also been called Forsythia suspensa var. sieboldii.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: Pruning is usually done just after bloom because flowers are carried on older wood.

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