Forsythia

Description:

They are deciduous shrubs typically growing to a height of 1–3 m (3 ft 3 in–9 ft 10 in)1–3 m and, rarely, up to 6 m (20 ft) with rough grey-brown bark. The leaves are opposite, usually simple but sometimes trifoliate with a basal pair of small leaflets, and range from 2–10 cm (1–4 in.) in length and, rarely, up to 15 cm (6 in.) long; the margin is serrated or entire. The flowers are produced in the early spring before the leaves, bright yellow with a deeply four-lobed flower, the petals joined only at the base. These become pendant in rainy weather thus shielding the reproductive parts.

Habitat:

Ornamental shrub Non-native, but does not appear to be listed as an invasive

Notes:

Growing on a wooded drive near an old church - Looked naturalized or "escaped" but is possibly remnant of old landscaping