Nepalese White Thorn, Nepalese firethorn
Pyracantha crenulata

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Pyracantha crenulata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to July. 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): 6

Where it is found

Shrubberies, open slopes, cultivated areas, 1000 - 2400 metres from Kashmir to S.W. China. Slopes, roadsides, streamsides, among shrubs, grassy places, valleys.

E. Asia - Himalayas to China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The leaves are made into a tea-like beverage. The fruits are rich in sugar. The ripe fruit is eaten fresh. The fruit is 6 - 8mm in diameter.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The powdered, dried fruit, combined with yoghurt, is used in the treatment of bloody dysentery.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.

Other

Rating:

The plant makes an excellent hedge. Wood - hard, very close and even grained. Used for walking sticks.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

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 in sun or part shade, though it does not fruit so well in a shady position. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and reasonable exposure, though it requires protection from cold winds. Closely related to P. coccinea, but it is not as hardy as that species and is best grown on a south-facing wall in Britain. Susceptible to scab and fireblight, especially when grown on acid sandy soils.

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; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

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

Crataegus crenulata. Mespilus crenulata.