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Rosaceae
Firethorn
Pyracantha coccinea
Protection and defense.
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Genus
- Pyracantha
- Native to
- Southern Europe, Western Asia
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Type
- evergreen shrub
- Height
- 6-18 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil
- well-drained, adaptable
- Water
- low to moderate
- Hardiness
- 6-9
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- Firethorn produces dense clusters of white flowers in spring followed by spectacular red, orange, or yellow berries that persist through winter.
- The sharp thorns up to 2 inches long make firethorn one of the most effective natural security hedges available.
- Birds such as waxwings and thrushes feast on the berries, which are mildly toxic to humans raw but can be made into jelly when cooked.
- The genus name Pyracantha comes from the Greek 'pyr' (fire) and 'akantha' (thorn), describing both its fiery berries and sharp thorns.
- Firethorn was used in medieval monastery gardens as both a defensive hedge and a source of winter bird food.
Color meanings
0
security
1
vigilance