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Firethorn

Firethorn

Pyracantha coccinea

shrub☀️ full sun💧 low waterZone 8aZone 10a

Firethorn is a thorny evergreen shrub prized for its abundant clusters of small white flowers in spring followed by vibrant orange, red, or yellow berries that persist through winter, providing excellent ornamental interest and wildlife food.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
6–9′ tall × 4–12′ wide
Dormancy
evergreen

Tolerances & Soil

low
Zone 8aZone 10a
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 8a to Zone 10a

pH Range

5.88
7.0
3.556.589
pH range: 5.8 to 8

Soil Texture

Coarse, Medium, Fine

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummerFallWinter

Shrub

Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.

Succession Role

pioneerearly successional

Native Range

Southeast Europe and Asia Minor

Function & Care

erosion controlhedgerowpollinator nectarywildlife benefitwindbreak
Coppicing

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Propagation
seed, cutting

Notable Cultivars

Teton is an upright cultivar with orange berries, Mohave produces bright red berries with good vigor, and Yukon Belle offers orange berries with enhanced cold hardiness for zone 5 gardens.