One of our favorite shrubs is the Buttercup Winterhazel (Corylopsis pauciflora). In a few words it’s a delicate shrub that shines in a pre-green landscape. Aptly named, the flowers don’t scream spring but are a soft butter-yellow that gently call your attention. Growing approximately 4-6′ tall it has plump flower and leaf buds arranged alternately on long arching branches – they look great in a vase and force easily. Best planted in part shade in acidic soil – perfect for the woodland garden. Don’t forget about our other Winterhazel, C. spicata. Same soft yellow but longer fragrant flowers with a coarser branching habit. Check them both out the next time you’re here!