Everlasting Thorn, Coral Tree, Scarlet firethorn
Pyracantha coccinea

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A thorny evergreen bush. It grows 1-5 m high. It spreads to 4.5 m wide. The leaves are alternate with small irregular teeth around the edge. They are oval to sword shaped. Leaves are dark green and glossy above. The thorns also bear leaves. The leaf stalks are hairy. The flowers are white and occur in dense heads. The fruit are bright red berries.

There are 7 Pyracantha species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is frost hardy. It will grow in most soils. It can grow in sun or shade. It can tolerate exposure to wind. It is often on rocky slopes and in scrub. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Britain, Caucasus, Colombia, East Africa, Europe, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Malawi, Mediterranean, Mozambique, Portugal, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The fruit are used for making jellies, sauces and marmalades.

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It can be grown from seeds or cuttings. It does not transplant easily once established.

Its other names

Local names

Ates dikeni, Chit'avasha, Firethorn, Holly spinoso, Mchende, Navadni ognjeni trn

Synonyms

Cotoneaster pyracantha;