The first sign of spring in Chicago are these small yellow flowers: Forsythia. The flowers on this shrub opens sometimes earlier than the springtime bulbs beneath its feet. It is so striking and uplifiting it is known best by its formal name, Forsythia! Copyright 2026 Pamela BreitbergAka, Golden Bells or Yellow Bells or Harbinger of Spring. Since flowers bloom in springtime, the flowers will hang, pendent-like in bad weather to preserve its reproductive parts. Wow! Way to go nature! Copyright 2026 Pamela BreitbergForsythia flowers are prolific on the bush, creating a not-to-miss statement of spring’s arrival. It warms my heart since April in Chicago can have frosty mornings. Copyright 2026 Pamela Breitberg
