Firethorn Pyracantha coccinea

The scarlet firethorn is a broadleaf evergreen to semi-evergreen ornamental shrub that usually grows upright and stiff to 6 to 18 feet tall and equally as wide. In the spring, clusters of white flowers appear with shiny, dark green leaves. The stems have sharp spines, and bright orange to red berries are seen in the fall. Frequently, scarlet firethorn may be displayed or trained as espaliers on a wall or fence. It is a member of the Roseaceae or rose family.

Scarlet firethorn is native to south central and southern Europe and as far east as Iran. It has been introduced in the United States. It may be found in disturbed sites, along roadsides, and in coastal shrub or prairie areas. Scarlet Firethorn has been reported as invasive in some countries and in the States of Texas, Georgia, and California, but this has not been substantiated

The genus name, Pyracantha, is derived from two Greek words, pyr, meaning fire, and akantha, meaning thorn. This name refers to the thorny branches and the bright crimson fruit. The epithet, coccinea, is from the Latin word coccineus, that means scarlet.

This shrub prefers full sun to partial shade, dry to moist, well-drained soils. It is tolerant of clay soils, drought, and hot, dry conditions. It is also moderately salt tolerant and does best in acidic to neutral soils. In colder climates, it is best practice to protect or shelter this shrub from cold winds. It can become overgrown quite easily and will need to be regularly pruned. Thorns are challenging when pruning. It can be sheared, but severe pruning right after flowering will affect fruit set. Keep in mind that next season's blossoms will appear on old growth. This plant is difficult to transplant. 

It blooms in late spring to early summer and has showy but has extremely fetid flowers. The red berries mature in fall and persist though winter. Sharp spur thorns are present on stems. Fruits are enjoyed by birds, and they distribute the seeds. Deer tends to avoid this shrub, mostly likely due to the sharp spines.

Scarlet Firethorn is often confused with P. koidzummii or Formosa Firethorn, but it is distinguished by the leaves that are broadest at the middle and taper upward, whereas Formosa Firethorn's leaves are widest apically and are truncate. Scarlet Firethorn is more tolerant to cold weather than Formosa Firethorn, but it will still need protection from cold blasts of wind and winter frost.

Scarlet Firethorn is an impenetrable hedge that can be used for screening, to define property lines, or for security.  Plant away from high traffic areas or where children and pets frequent.  It works well in mass plantings and is effective on slopes for erosion control. It grows relatively rapidly and can be trained against a wall or espalier or border. It also does well as a specimen plant. The beautiful red berries are relished by the birds and are available from summer to fall or until eaten by the birds. 

Seasons of Interest: 

Bloom: Spring and Summer   Foliage: Year-round    Fruit:  Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• broadleaf evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub with stiff, thorny spur branches
• bark is reddish-brown, smooth, and has many lenticels
• young stems are pubescent, with age become smooth, glossy reddish-brown with many spines 
• leaves are shiny, dark green, alternate, simple, evergreen to semi-evergreen, narrowly elliptic, ovate or lanceolate, 1 to 2.5 inches long, undersides paler and pubescent
• flowers are white, fetid, 5-petaled, and about 1/3 inch in diameter, appear in 2 to 3-inch tight clusters 
• fruit is a pome but appears berry-like, showy, orange-red, measure 1/4 inch in diameter, and appears in tight clusters.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  The Scarlet Firethorn may be susceptible to scab, fire blight, and wilt. Potential insects that may be problematic include aphids, lace bugs, and scale.

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University