In today’s edition of “Ask the Arborist” we examine the early spring bright yellow blooms of the Forsythia shrub pictured here. Forsythias may be seen throughout the Newtown landscapes. According to the book “Coincide” (a pest management book) landowners should consider the timing of the Forsythia’s blooming as the perfect time to apply pre-emergent herbicides for control of crabgrass (but don’t whisper a word of this to your lawn care company). Forsythia’s scientific name (Forsythia suspense) is a member of the olive family and according to Wikipedia is mostly native to eastern Asia. The common name Forsythia was attributed to the late Scottish botanist William Forsyth.
The flowers are cited by some to have lactose (the milk sugar) which is rarely found in other natural sources with the exception of milk.
The Chinese have found several medicinal uses of the Forsythia in antipyretic and ant-inflammatory treatment for bacterial infections and upper respiratory ailments.
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People find the flowers quite fragrant and suitable as a natural room refresher.
Forsythia is a true shrub and grows to a height of 3 – 9 ft. It may be planted in full sun with well drained soil and a Ph of 5 – 8. Our local 6A hardiness zone makes it an ideal plant selection for Newtown, CT. Stay tuned for your next edition of “Ask the Arborist
