Common Name: Golden Bells

General Information

Forsythia viridissima is an upright, deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is sometimes grown as an ornaental, some named forms making good cround cover plants[].

Known Hazards

Leaves contain the glycoside Phillyrin[], its potency is unknown.

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - southern Korea, southeast China.

Habitat

Ravines, margin of woods near river valleys and streamsides[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Forsythia viridissima is a cold-hardy species, tolerating temperatures down to around -25°c[].
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in all soil types so long as they are well-drained[, ], but prefers a rich soil. Succeeds in limey soils. Grows well in heavy clay soils. It prefers a sunny position but succeeds in semi shade though it is apt to get leggy if grown in the shade of trees[]. Succeeds against a north-facing wall[].
Plants are medium to fast growing[].
Flowers are produced on wood that is more than one year old[]. Any pruning is best done immediately after the plant has finished flowering[, ]. Plants can be pruned to the ground after flowering in alternate years in order to revitalize them[].
There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[, ].
This species is notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The fruit is antibacterial, antifungal, antispasmdic and emmenagogue[]. It is used in Korea to treat carbuncles, mastitis, inflammation, suppuration, lymphadenitis and suppressed menstruation[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The cultivar ‘Bronxensis’ is an unusual low, spreading, flat-topped form that grows to only 30 - 40cm tall but spreads to 60 - 90cm” wide and makes a good ground cover[]..

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates within 2 months[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood 10 - 15cm taken at a node, mid summer in a frame. Plant out in autumn or spring. A very high percentage, they root within 3 weeks[].
Cuttings of mature wood in a sheltered outdoor bed. Good percentage[].
Layering in spring or summer. Plants often self-layer[].