Narrowleaf firethorn, Pyracantha
Pyracantha angustifolia

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Upright or erect, Vase.

Pyracantha angustifolia is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from October to November. 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. It can grow in 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): 3

Where it is found

Thickets on slopes, at roadsides at elevations of 1600 - 3000 metres.

E. Asia - S.W. China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit. No more details are given but the fruit is unlikely to be that inspiring, particularly when it is said that this is the least interesting fruit of the genus for birds!. The fruit is about 5 - 6mm in diameter.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

Landscape Uses: Erosion control, Espalier, Massing, Seashore. A fairly wind-tolerant shrub, it can be used in shelterbelt plantings.

Shelterbelt: Wind resistant plants than can be grown to provide shelter in the garden etc.

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).

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, though it does not fruit so well in a shady position. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and reasonable exposure. Plants are not reliably hardy in the colder areas of Britain. Susceptible to scab and fireblight, especially when grown on acid sandy soils. Birds are less attracted to the fruit of this species than they are to other members of the genus. 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 Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-10

Growth: Fast

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

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 angustifolia.