Firethorn
Pyracantha coccinea
Also listed as Cotoneaster pyracantha, Crataegus pyracantha
Also known as Scarlet Firethorn, Red Firethorn, Pyracanth
Climate Match for your location
See how well Firethorn grows in your area.
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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.
Why grow it
Firethorn offers extended seasonal interest compared to many ornamental shrubs, with showy spring flowers followed by persistent berries that remain on the plant well into winter. The fruit color varies by cultivar, allowing selection for orange, red, or yellow tones to complement landscape design. As an evergreen, it maintains structure and foliage through colder months when deciduous alternatives are bare.
Watch out for
The dense thorns make firethorn difficult to prune and handle, so plan placement away from high-traffic pathways and consider protective gloves when maintenance is needed. In humid climates, firethorn is prone to fungal issues like scab and leaf spot, which may require regular monitoring and, in severe cases, fungicide application or improved air circulation around the plant.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native Range
Southeast Europe and Asia Minor
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
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.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Firethorn grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Firethorn offers extended seasonal interest compared to many ornamental shrubs, with showy spring flowers followed by persistent berries that remain on the plant well into winter. The fruit color varies by cultivar, allowing selection for orange, red, or yellow tones to complement landscape design. As an evergreen, it maintains structure and foliage through colder months when deciduous alternatives are bare.
Watch out for
The dense thorns make firethorn difficult to prune and handle, so plan placement away from high-traffic pathways and consider protective gloves when maintenance is needed. In humid climates, firethorn is prone to fungal issues like scab and leaf spot, which may require regular monitoring and, in severe cases, fungicide application or improved air circulation around the plant.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native Range
Southeast Europe and Asia Minor
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
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.