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Pyracantha angustifolia - (Franch.)C.K.Schneid.

Common Name Narrowleaf firethorn, Pyracantha
Family Rosaceae
USDA hardiness 6-10
Known Hazards 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.
Habitats Thickets on slopes, at roadsides at elevations of 1600 - 3000 metres[266].
Range E. Asia - S.W. China.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Pyracantha angustifolia Narrowleaf firethorn, Pyracantha


http://www.hear.org/starr/
Pyracantha angustifolia Narrowleaf firethorn, Pyracantha

 

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Summary

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


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Cotoneaster angustifolia.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit[15]. 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![K]. The fruit is about 5 - 6mm in diameter[266].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Shelterbelt

Landscape Uses: Erosion control, Espalier, Massing, Seashore. A fairly wind-tolerant shrub, it can be used in shelterbelt plantings[200].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife  Espalier

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a good well-drained, moisture-retentive loamy soil[1, 200]. Succeeds in any soil that is warm and not very heavy[11]. Another report says that it grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds on chalky soils[108]. Succeeds in sun or part shade, though it does not fruit so well in a shady position[200]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and reasonable exposure[200]. Plants are not reliably hardy in the colder areas of Britain[219]. Susceptible to scab and fireblight[11], especially when grown on acid sandy soils[182]. Birds are less attracted to the fruit of this species than they are to other members of the genus[182]. Special Features: Not North American native, Attractive flowers or blooms.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[200]. Remove all the fruit flesh since this can inhibit germination[200]. Stored seed requires 3 months cold stratification, sow it as early in the year as possible in a cold frame[113]. 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[78]. Pot up in October or the following spring[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Guizhou Sheng, Hubei Sheng (Hubei, Yunnan, Sichuan, Xizang), Sichuan Sheng, Xizang Zizhiqu, Yunnan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Pyracantha coccineaFirethorn, Scarlet firethorn, Pyracantha, FirethornShrub4.0 6-9 FLMHFSNM103
Pyracantha crenato-serrata Shrub5.0 6-9  LMHSNM11 
Pyracantha crenulataNepalese White Thorn, Nepalese firethornShrub6.0 6-9  LMHSNM113
Pyracantha koidzumiiFormosa firethornShrub4.0 7-10  LMHSNM10 
Pyracantha rogersiana Shrub3.0 7-10  LMHFSNM003
Pyracantha 'Wateri' Shrub2.5 0-0  LMHFSNM003

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

(Franch.)C.K.Schneid.

Botanical References

11200266

Links / References

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