For early spring flowers nothing equals Forsythia. The earliest blooming Forsythia is F. ovata.
Growth is upright and rather stiff.
Flowers are bright yellow with a hint of green and usually appear in March to April. Forsythia blooms before the foliage appears and, with daffodils and crocus, clearly marks the beginning of spring. The shrub can reach six feet in height and spread. It will tolerate some light shade, but does best in full sun. Almost any soil type will do.