Pyracantha coccinea – Scarlet Firethorn
- Mar 15
- 2 min read
Explore Pyracantha coccinea (Scarlet Firethorn) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Pyracantha coccinea | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Scarlet Firethorn, Firethorn
Family: Rosaceae
Appearance: A dense, thorny evergreen shrub with arching branches and small glossy dark green leaves. Produces clusters of small white flowers in spring followed by abundant orange to bright red berry-like pomes that persist into winter.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Evergreen
Layer: Shrub layer
Root System: Fibrous, moderately deep root system
Height: 2–4 m
Width: 2–4 m
Lifespan: Up to 50 years
Growth Rate: Fast
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Bees and other insects
Toxicity: Fruits mildly toxic if consumed raw in quantity; seeds contain cyanogenic compounds
Pyracantha coccinea | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Southern Europe and western Asia
Companionship: Suitable for hedgerows and mixed shrub plantings; dense growth may shade smaller plants nearby
Invasive Range: Naturalized in parts of North America, Australia, and New Zealand
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6–9
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: Moderate to high tolerance once established
Shade: Moderate tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: High tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: High tolerance
Fire: Low to moderate tolerance – may resprout after mild fire
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Moisture: Moderate; prefers well-drained soils
Soil Type: Adaptable to clay, loam, or sandy soils
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Propagation
Seeds: Yes; viable but slow to germinate
Cuttings: Semi-hardwood cuttings root readily
Pyracantha coccinea | Functional Uses and Benefits
Permalogica cannot take any responsibility for any adverse reactions or health effects from using plants. Always consult a professional before using plants for medicinal purposes.
Edible: Fruits edible when cooked (commonly used for jellies)
Medicinal: No widely documented medicinal use
Cosmetics: No
Animal Feed: Fruits consumed by birds
Fiber: No
Timber: No
Firewood: Limited use
Wind Break: Yes – dense structure provides effective wind reduction
Fence: Yes – thorny branches form an effective defensive hedge
Cover Crop: No
Mulch: No
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No confirmed data
Pollinator Attractor: Yes – flowers attract bees and insects
Pest Repellent: No
Wildlife Supporter: Provides nectar for pollinators and winter fruit for birds
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