Firethorn

Pyracantha coccinea

Only birds fly over it.

Shrub4×4 mzone 6–9partial shade

Profile

Family: Rosaceae
Habit: Shrub
Height: 4 m
Spread: 4 m
Growth: fast
Lifespan: 25 years
First yield: after 3 years
Hardiness: zone 6–9
Shade tolerance: partial shade
Soil: Sand, Silt, Loam
Soil moisture: very dry – very wet
pH: 6 – 7.5

evergreensuitable for hedgesthorny

Uses

Edible1 of 10

Other uses4 of 10

Other uses: Scenic uses: erosion control, espalier, mass planting, coastal areas. This plant is tolerant of pruning and moderate exposure and can be grown as a hedge. It forms a very thorny barrier.

Origin & habitat

EUR.

Dry limestone soils up to 2700 meters in the Himalayas.

⚠️ Hazards

Toxicity: slightly toxic

The seeds of firethorn, like all rose family plants, contain cyanide. However, the plant itself is non-toxic.

This is no substitute for expert identification. When in doubt, do not eat it.

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