Border forsythia

Forsythia × intermedia Zabel

Zones: 5a to 8b per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA's Golden Bells page lists Forsythia, matched by common name only. ASPCA is the only source we found, and one source is not enough to call a plant safe for pets, so it is not assessed as safe. Keep pets from eating it.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 5a to 8b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Light: Full sun for the most flowers; part shade is tolerated.
Water needs: low
Mature size: US: NC State: 8 to 10 ft (2.4 to 3 m) tall and 10 to 12 ft (3 to 3.7 m) wide, fast growing. Iowa State: many varieties reach 8 to 10 ft (2.4 to 3 m); smaller varieties exist, for example 'Gold Tide' at 2 to 3 ft (0.6 to 0.9 m) and 'Sunrise' at 5 ft (1.5 m).; UK: RHS (whole genus): usually about 2 m (6.7 ft) tall if left unpruned; compact varieties exist.
Family: Oleaceae (NC State)
Where it comes from: NC State: a garden hybrid between weeping forsythia (F. suspensa) and greenstem forsythia (F. viridissima); it has no native range of its own. Iowa State describes forsythia as native to China, Korea and Europe.