Forsythia viridissima is a hardy deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub with long cane-like branches.
This is not a particularly attractive species, the canes tend not to arch as much as other species and flowers are not as dense. That being said they still provide a wonderful display of yellow flowers along the bare branches in mid to late spring before the leaves appear.
These plants need a cold winter climate (with temperatures dropping below freezing) in order to produce good flowers and are a classic harbinger of spring.