ExplorePlants

Firethorn

Pyracantha coccinea

Firethorn is a colorful shrub that grows bright orange or red berries. It has shiny green leaves and can grow tall, making it a lovely addition to gardens and parks.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Firethorn is a spiky evergreen shrub featuring glossy dark green leaves. In spring, it bursts with clusters of small white flowers, followed by abundant, vibrant red or orange berries that persist through winter, making it stand out.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusPyracantha
Firethorn
deciduous trait badgeornamental trait badgeshrub trait badgeevergreen trait badge
Firethorn

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Even after birds eat the berries, the seeds are ready to sprout because they've been 'cleaned'!

Firethorn is so tough, it can grow on walls and fences, creating living green barriers!

It's a plant relative of apples and pears, sharing a surprising family tree!

Its scientific name, Pyracantha, means 'fire thorn' in Greek, perfectly describing its look!

Special abilities

Ability

Spiky Protector

Firethorn has sharp thorns that act like a thorny shield, helping it defend against hungry animals trying to eat its leaves.

Ability

Winter Feast Beacon

Its bright red or orange berries stay on the plant all winter, providing a vital food source for birds when other foods are scarce.

Ability

Evergreen Shelter

Firethorn keeps its green leaves all year, offering continuous hiding spots and shelter for small birds and insects, even in cold weather.

Measurements & details

Height
200-500 cm
Spread
150-400 cm
Flower Size
0.5-0.8 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

eaten by

Blackbird

Turdus merula

Eats its nutrient-rich berries in winter, aiding seed dispersal.

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Visits white flowers to collect nectar and pollen, helping reproduction.

shelters

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

Uses its dense, thorny branches for safe nesting and roosting.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be careful around the thorns; they can be sharp!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Firethorn?

200-500 cm

How wide does Firethorn spread?

150-400 cm

How big are the flowers on Firethorn?

0.5-0.8 cm

When does Firethorn bloom?

Spring

Is Firethorn edible?

No

Is Firethorn toxic?

Mild

What is Firethorn's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Firethorn pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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