Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea)

Pyracantha coccinea, or Firethorn, is a thorny evergreen shrub. It has glossy dark green leaves, white spring flowers, and vibrant red or orange-red berries. Often used f

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Full sun to partial shade.

Watering

Moderate, drought-tolerant once established.

Soil

Well-drained, adaptable to various soil types.

Temperature

Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, hardy in temperate climates.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Low requirement; fertilize sparingly in spring if needed.

Care Requirements

Light

Full sun to partial shade.

Water

Moderate, drought-tolerant once established.

Soil

Well-drained, adaptable to various soil types.

Temperature

Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, hardy in temperate climates.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Low requirement; fertilize sparingly in spring if needed.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Category

Ornamental, Flowering, Fruit

Plant Place Type

Ground, Garden, Groundcover

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

2-4 m

Spread

2-4 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf Color

Dark green

Leaf Type

Simple

Flower Size

0.5-1 cm

Optimal Sunlight Lux

50000

Weed Status

Yes

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · MayPeak fruit · Dec

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Jan

FloweringFruiting

Synonyms

Cotoneaster pyracantha (L.) Spach

Crataegus dumosa Salisb.

Crataegus lalandei May

Crataegus pauciflora (Poir.) Pers.

Crataegus pauciflora André

Crataegus pyracantha (L.) Medik.

Gymnopyrenium pyracantha (L.) Dulac

Mespilus lalandei Dippel

Mespilus pauciflora Poir.

Mespilus pyracantha L.

Oxyacantha amygdalifolia Bubani

Pyracantha lucida de Vos

Pyracantha pauciflora (Poir.) M.Roem.

Pyracantha spinosa de Vos

Pyracantha vulgaris Lothelier

Timbalia pyracantha (L.) Clos

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderRosales
familyRosaceae
genusPyracantha
speciesPyracantha coccinea

Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Yes

Rating: 2/5

Toxic for pets

Yes

Rating: 3/5

Edible

Berries and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested.

Additional Care Tips

Water newly planted firethorns regularly to establish. Once mature, they are drought-tolerant and require less frequent watering, especially in cooler months. Ensure soil drains well to prevent root rot. During prolonged dry spells, provide supplemental water.

Prune firethorn after flowering to shape and control size, removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Hard pruning can be done in late winter for renovation. Be mindful of the thorns. Pruning also helps encourage more berries on new wood.

Propagate firethorn from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter. Seeds can also be sown, but germination can be erratic and takes longer. Layering is another viable method for established plants.

Repotting is generally not applicable as firethorn is typically grown in the ground. If grown in a container, repot every 2-3 years into a slightly larger pot with fresh well-draining potting mix. This is best done in early spring before active growth.

FAQs

Is Firethorn considered an invasive plant?

Pyracantha coccinea can be considered invasive in some regions, particularly in parts of the United States and Australia, where it can escape cultivation and outcompete native vegetation. Check local regulations regarding its planting.

Are the berries of Firethorn edible for humans?

The berries of Firethorn are technically edible after cooking, which helps break down the cyanogenic glycosides they contain. However, they are not commonly consumed raw and can cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities without preparation.

How much sunlight does Firethorn need to thrive?

Firethorn thrives best in full sun, which encourages the most abundant flowering and berry production. It can tolerate partial shade, but growth may be less vigorous and fruiting may be reduced.

When is the best time to prune Firethorn?

The best time to prune Firethorn is after it has finished flowering in late spring or early summer. This allows you to enjoy the flowers and ensures that new growth has time to develop for the following year's berries. Harder renovation pruning can be done in late winter.

How often should I water an established Firethorn plant?

Once established, Firethorn is quite drought-tolerant and generally requires moderate watering. Water deeply during prolonged dry periods, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Newly planted shrubs need more consistent moisture.

Additional Care Tips

FAQs

Is Firethorn considered an invasive plant?

Are the berries of Firethorn edible for humans?

How much sunlight does Firethorn need to thrive?

Firethorn thrives best in full sun, which encourages the most abundant flowering and berry production. It can tolerate partial shade, but growth may be less vigorous and fruiting may be reduced.

Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea)

Care Requirements

Plant Overview

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Additional Care Tips

Water

Pruning

Propagation

Repotting

FAQs

Is Firethorn considered an invasive plant?

Are the berries of Firethorn edible for humans?

How much sunlight does Firethorn need to thrive?

When is the best time to prune Firethorn?

How often should I water an established Firethorn plant?

Loading plant details

Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea)

Care Requirements

Plant Overview

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Additional Care Tips

Water

Pruning

Propagation

Repotting

FAQs

Is Firethorn considered an invasive plant?

Are the berries of Firethorn edible for humans?

How much sunlight does Firethorn need to thrive?

When is the best time to prune Firethorn?

How often should I water an established Firethorn plant?