Firethorn, Scarlet firethorn, Pyracantha, Firethorn
Pyracantha coccinea

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded, Spreading or horizontal, Vase.

Pyracantha coccinea is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 4

Where it is found

Woods and hedges.

S. Europe. Occasionally found more or less naturalized in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit - cooked. Used for making jellies, marmalade and sauces.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

Landscape Uses: Erosion control, Espalier, Massing, Seashore. Tolerant of trimming and of reasonable exposure, it can be grown as a hedge. It forms a very spiny barrier.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Espalier: A tree or other plant that is trained to grow flat against a support (such as a trellis or wall).

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

Prefers a good well-drained, moisture-retentive loamy soil. Succeeds in any soil that is warm and not very heavy. Another report says that it grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds on chalky soils. Succeeds in sun or part shade and also on a shady wall, though it does not fruit so well in a shady position. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and reasonable exposure. A very ornamental plant, there are a number of named varieties. Susceptible to scab and fireblight, especially when grown on acid sandy soils. This species, especially the cultivar 'Lelandii', is notably resistant to honey fungus. Intolerant of root disturbance except when young. A good bee plant. Birds are particularly attracted to the fruit of this plant. Special Features:Not North American native, Attractive flowers or blooms.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Remove all the fruit flesh since this can inhibit germination. Stored seed requires 3 months cold stratification, sow it as early in the year as possible in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of almost mature wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, mid-August in a cold frame. Pot up in October or the following spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cotoneaster pyracantha. Crataegus pyracantha. Mespilus pyracantha.