Forsythia

Forsythia is a genus of about 7 species of mainly deciduous shrubs from Eastern Asia with one species form Southeast Europe. They are great harbingers of spring with their early yellow flowers produced before the plants leaf out. Several hybrid selections have been made. GOLD TIDE is noted for its compact-spreading shape, typically growing to only 20” tall but spreading to as much as 4’ wide. It features light yellow flowers that appear in profusion before the leaves emerge in late winter to early spring. Ovate, medium green leaves are attractive throughout the growing season, but fall color is usually unexceptional. GOLD TIDE is the product of certain experiments in France, in which plants of Forsythia x intermedia ‘Spring Glory’ were irradiated with gamma rays. Seed from subsequent open pollination was collected and planted, and one of the resulting seedlings was named ‘Courtasol’. It should be further noted that this cultivar is listed by The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) under the French trade name of MAREE D’OR. MAREE D’OR is in turn sold in the U.S. under the trade name of GOLD TIDE. U.S. Plant Patent issued April 11, 1995.