Firethorn

Firethorn Overview

Pyracantha - also known as Firethorn - are evergreen shrubs or small trees, of which there are just 7 species. They have spiny branches, shiny - usually dense, tooth-edged - foliage, masses of tiny white flowers in summer and showy red, orange or yellow berries in autumn. These usually last through the winter so they add some brightness to gardens on dull days. Firethorns are usually grown against walls or free-standing, in shrub borders. They can also be used for hedging and are useful on garden boundaries as their numerous spines are very sharp! Tolerant of most soils, some shade, pollution and needing only light pruning, Firethorns are popular garden shrubs and popular with birds, for their autumn/winter berries. Best protected however, from cold, drying winds. Native to areas extending from Southwest Europe east to Southeast Asia, Pyracanthas belong to the rose family - Rosaceae!