Chinese Firethorn

(Pyracantha fortuneana)

Chinese Firethorn (Pyracantha fortuneana)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Pyracantha crenatoserrata, commonly known as Chinese Firethorn or Yunnan Firethorn, is an evergreen shrub native to thickets, forest margins, and limestone hills in central China. It has also naturalized in parts of Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. This species typically grows to a height and width of 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters), forming a dense, thorny bush with glossy green leaves. The plant is notable for its clusters of small, white flowers in late spring, followed by bright orange-red berries in the fall and winter, which are attractive to birds and other wildlife.

Chinese Firethorn is valued for its year-round interest, particularly its showy berries which persist into winter, providing color in the garden when few other plants are in bloom. It is commonly used for hedging, screens, and as a barrier plant due to its thorny branches. It thrives in full sun to part shade, requires well-drained soil, and is drought-tolerant once established. While it is adaptable to various soil types, it prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Pyracantha crenatoserrata is susceptible to fire blight and scab, which can be mitigated by proper spacing and air circulation. It is also important to note that Pyracantha fortuneana is a different species and is known to be potentially invasive in some regions; therefore, care should be taken to plant the correct species and monitor for invasiveness when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 3.25-9.75 feet
  • Width: 9.75-11 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Fire Resistant, Hedges, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Thickets, forest margins, and limestone hills in central China

Other Names

Common Names: Firethorn , Fortune’s Firethorn

Scientific Names: Pyracantha fortuneana , Cotoneaster fortunei , Osteomeles pyracantha , Photinia crenatoserrata , Photinia fortuneana , Pyracantha crenatiserrata , Pyracantha crenatoserrata , Pyracantha crenulata var. yunnanensis , Pyracantha crenulata var. yunnanensis , Pyracantha gibbsiae var. yunnanensis

GBIF Accepted Name: