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(Pyracantha angustifolia)
Narrowleaf Firethorn (Pyracantha angustifolia)
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Forest & Kim Starr
CC BY 3.0
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Forest & Kim Starr
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CC BY 3.0
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Photo by: Forest & Kim Starr | License Type: CC BY 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0 | Uploader: BotMultichill | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Starr_021126-0030_Pyracantha_angustifolia.jpg | Notes: User created page with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Pyracantha angustifolia, commonly known as narrowleaf firethorn, slender firethorn, or woolly firethorn, is an evergreen shrub native to the scrub and open woodlands of Western China. It is part of the rose family and is characterized by its narrow, lance-shaped leaves and sharp, thorny branches. The shrub typically reaches a height and width of 8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 meters). Its white flowers bloom in late spring, followed by the production of small, round pomes that can range in color from orange to red. These fruits are astringent and bitter due to the presence of hydrogen cyanide, making them inedible for humans but a valuable food source for birds during the winter months.
The narrowleaf firethorn is appreciated for its year-round interest, including its showy fruit and dense foliage, which make it an excellent choice for hedges and security barriers. It is also used for ornamental purposes in yards and gardens. This shrub is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage, and it can tolerate drought once established. It is best grown in full sun to part shade. However, gardeners should be aware of its potential invasiveness, especially in California, and its sharp spines when planting in areas with foot traffic.CC BY-SA 4.0
The narrowleaf firethorn is appreciated for its year-round interest, including its showy fruit and dense foliage, which make it an excellent choice for hedges and security barriers. It is also used for ornamental purposes in yards and gardens. This shrub is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage, and it can tolerate drought once established. It is best grown in full sun to part shade. However, gardeners should be aware of its potential invasiveness, especially in California, and its sharp spines when planting in areas with foot traffic.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 4-6 feet
- Width: 6-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Scrub and open woodlands of Western China
Other Names
Common Names: Orange Firethorn, Slender Firethorn, Woolly Firethorn, Yellow Firethorn, Geelbranddoring, Luddeldtorn, Zhai Ye Huo Ji
Scientific Names: , Pyracantha angustifolia, Cotoneaster angustifolia,
GBIF Accepted Name: Pyracantha angustifolia (Franch.) C.K.Schneid.