It may not be native, but this Forsythia certainly has a handsome shade of yellow, growing in size and almost luminescence every day in late April. At least many of our birds and some of our other wildlife use it often for cover and perching, but it really has no major use or importance otherwise in our area. Have you observed it being utilized by our native fauna? I honestly have no idea how to feel about plant species like this now. It is not going anywhere soon, but it is not causing nightmarish problems for our environment. If people like to feel spring and appreciate nature via its shades, great. However, whenever we plant something new, we should always be mindful of it being both native and meant for our region.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator