Abstract: The differentiation and development of flower buds in Forsythia suspensa were observed by ightmicroscope (LM) and scanning electron microscope ( SEM). The results were: (1) The differentiation f flower buds began at the period between middle and late May and continued to middle July. The whole rocess could be divided into five stages: vegetative stage, initial differentiation stage, sepal primordial initiation stage, corolla and anther primordial initiation stage, carpel primordial initiation stage. (2) The development of pistil and stamen followed the finish of the flower bud differentiation. Pollen mother cells and completely developed microsporagium wall ere observed at the period of early September and megaspore mother cell in ovule was observed at the period of late October.

Key words: Forsythia suspensa, Flower bud differentiation, Development