Pyracantha spp., firethorn pyracantha
1 / 4
Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Pyracantha spp.

firethorn pyracantha

Rosaceae

Southeastern Europe, China, and Taiwan (varies by species)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 m)
Width6-10 feet (1.8-3 m)
Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 9
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

A group of vigorous, thorny broadleaf evergreen to semi-evergreen shrubs typically reaching 6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 m) tall and 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) wide, depending on species and cultivar. Growth rate is moderate to fast, adding 8-18 inches (20-45 cm) per year. The genus includes approximately 7 species and numerous cultivars, with P. coccinea, P. fortuneana, and P. koidzumii being the most commonly grown. Leaves are alternate, elliptical to obovate, 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) long and 0.3-0.75 inches (8-19 mm) wide, glossy dark green, with finely crenate (scalloped) margins. Stems bear sharp, rigid thorns 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) long, typically at leaf axils or branch tips. Flowers appear in May to June in dense corymbs 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) across, white, each approximately 0.3 inches (8 mm) across, with a mildly unpleasant musty scent. Fruit is the primary ornamental feature: dense clusters of small pomes approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) in diameter, ripening in September to October to brilliant orange, orange-red, red, or yellow depending on cultivar, and persisting through winter until consumed by birds. The berry display is among the most spectacular of any temperate shrub. Susceptible to fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) and scab (Venturia inaequalis), both of which can severely damage fruit and foliage; disease-resistant cultivars are strongly recommended. Hardy to approximately -5 to 10°F (-20 to -12°C) depending on species.

Native Range

Various species are native to southeastern Europe (P. coccinea), China (P. fortuneana, P. atalantioides), and Taiwan (P. koidzumii). Found in open scrubland, hillsides, forest margins, and rocky slopes at low to moderate elevations.

Suggested Uses

Commonly trained as an espalier against walls and fences, where the spectacular fruit display is shown to maximum effect. Suitable for informal hedging at 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2 m) spacing, where the thorns provide a deterrent barrier. The thorny habit makes it effective for security plantings beneath windows and along boundaries. Freestanding specimens provide vertical interest and winter fruit color. The berry display provides important winter food for birds including thrushes, waxwings, and robins. Tolerates urban pollution.

How to Identify

Identified by the combination of glossy, small, finely scalloped evergreen leaves, sharp rigid thorns, clusters of small white flowers in late spring, and the spectacular dense clusters of small, brilliantly colored berries (orange, red, or yellow) that persist from fall through winter. The thorns, glossy foliage, and profuse berry clusters together distinguish Pyracantha from Cotoneaster (which lacks thorns) and from Berberis (which has simple rather than crenate leaves). The fruit color varies by cultivar: orange ('Mohave', 'Teton'), red ('Red Column', 'Fiery Cascade'), or yellow ('Soleil d'Or').

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 12'
Width/Spread6' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

dark green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SpringSummer
Flowers from May to June in USDA zones 6-9. Dense corymbs 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) across bear white flowers approximately 0.3 inches (8 mm) across. Bloom lasts 2-3 weeks. The primary ornamental display is the fruit: dense clusters of small pomes ripen in September to October to brilliant orange, red, or yellow and persist through winter until consumed by birds.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun for the heaviest fruit production and best disease resistance. Adapts to a wide range of well-drained soil types and pH from 5.5 to 7.5. Avoid overly rich soil and excessive nitrogen, which promote succulent growth susceptible to fire blight. Water regularly during the first growing season; established plants tolerate moderate drought. Fire blight and scab are the most significant diseases; select resistant cultivars such as 'Mohave', 'Teton', or 'Fiery Cascade'. Prune out fire-blight-infected branches 12 inches (30 cm) below symptoms, sterilizing tools between cuts. The thorns are sharp — wear heavy gloves when pruning or handling.

Pruning

Prune after flowering in June to July to shape and control size while preserving the developing fruit clusters. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall, which removes berry-laden wood. For espalier training against a wall or fence, tie selected branches to the support structure and remove forward-facing growth. Remove crossing, damaged, or inward-growing branches. Prune out fire-blight-infected branches immediately, cutting 12 inches (30 cm) below symptoms and sterilizing tools. Wear heavy leather gloves due to the sharp thorns.

Pruning Schedule

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

Maintenance Level

moderate

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic
Pyracantha spp. (firethorn pyracantha) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef