Meadowlark Forsythia

General 
Scientific Name: Forsythia x ‘Meadowlark’ 
Family: Oleaceae (Olive) 
Hardiness: Zone 3 
Leaves: Deciduous 
Plant Type: Shrub 

Growth 
Rate: Medium 
Mature Height: >7’ 
Longevity: Medium 
Power Line: Yes 

Ornamental 
Flowers: Yellow 
Fruit: Green or tan capsule 
Fall Color: Purple

A hybrid of early forsythia (F. ovata), native to Korea, and Albanian forsythia (F. europaea), native to Europe. This is the hardiest of all forsythias evaluated at NDSU. 'Meadowlark' forsythia, a cultivar introduced by North Dakota State University, South Dakota State University and the Arnold Arboretum in 1986, performs well in plantings throughout the Northern Plains. Showy yellow flowers. The largest shrub in North Dakota is 13 feet tall with a canopy spread of 15 feet.

Light: Full sun to light shade. 
Water: Medium. 
Soil: Prefers clay to loam soils, does not tolerate ponding or droughty locations.

Forsythia is one of the earliest plants to bloom in the spring.

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Meadowlark Forsythia

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Meadowlark Forsythia

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Meadowlark Forsythia