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pyracantha coccinea - M.J.Roem.

Common Name Firethorn, Scarlet firethorn, Pyracantha, Firethorn
Family Rosaceae
USDA hardiness 6-9
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 Woods and hedges[89].
Range S. Europe. Occasionally found more or less naturalized in Britain[17].
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Full shade Semi-shade Full sun
pyracantha coccinea Firethorn, Scarlet firethorn, Pyracantha, Firethorn


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Brosen
pyracantha coccinea Firethorn, Scarlet firethorn, Pyracantha, Firethorn
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:KENPEI

 

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Summary

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded, Spreading or horizontal, Vase.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
pyracantha coccinea is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower in June. 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 and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) 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 pyracantha. Crataegus pyracantha. Mespilus pyracantha.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - cooked. Used for making jellies, marmalade and sauces[15, 183].

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

Hedge  Hedge

Landscape Uses: Erosion control, Espalier, Massing, Seashore. Tolerant of trimming and of reasonable exposure, it can be grown as a hedge[49, 200]. It forms a very spiny barrier[200].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife  Espalier  Hedge  Hedge

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[200] and also on a shady wall[28, 49], though it does not fruit so well in a shady position[200]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and reasonable exposure[200]. A very ornamental plant[1], there are a number of named varieties[11, 200]. Susceptible to scab and fireblight[11], especially when grown on acid sandy soils[182]. This species, especially the cultivar 'Lelandii', is notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Intolerant of root disturbance except when young[11]. A good bee plant[108]. Birds are particularly attracted to the fruit of this plant[200]. Special Features:Not North American native, Attractive flowers or blooms.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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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 Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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 angustifoliaNarrowleaf firethorn, PyracanthaShrub3.0 6-10 FLMHSNM103
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.

 

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Expert comment

Author

M.J.Roem.

Botanical References

1189200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Sue Hayden   Mon Apr 12 01:46:17 2004

It is true that they root very easy. I stuck a 6" cutting in some sandy loam and forgot about it for a year.This spring I saw this bush growing in my flower bed and low and behold it was my pyracantha I had planted.It has 4 large limbs completely covered with blooms.If it had not been blooming I would probably have pulled it out thinking it was some kind of wild bush. I can't wait to see the berries this fall. I intend to propagate some plants from the seeds this fall.

Forrest   Tue Jul 14 2009

We want to plant a pyracantha as a vine that we hope will grow to a height of 9', make a turn and grow another 3' to meet a similarly planted pyracantha on the other side. Is it reasonable to expect this kind of cooperation from a firethorn?

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