A desert forsythia

Blooming forsythia were always one of the first signs of spring back in the 'burgh. The bush was so hardy even I could grow it. Every year, the forsythia that grew along the side of the house served as a bird condo as two or three different bird families made their nests in its protective branches. One of those bushes always housed a nest of cardinals, and I often wondered if it was the same family returning every year. 

 Forsythia doesn't grow in the desert, but desert cassia reminds me of it. It started to bloom in early February, and now it's in full bloom all over Tucson. The added bonus? Unlike forsythia which has no scent, desert cassia smells wonderful!