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(Pyracantha koidzumii)
Formosa Firethorn (Pyracantha koidzumii)
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Forest and Kim Starr
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Forest and Kim Starr
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Forest and Kim Starr | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Starr Environmental | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Pyracantha koidzumii, commonly known as Formosa Firethorn, is an evergreen shrub native to Taiwan, where it thrives in a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and scrub areas. It typically grows to a height of 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters) and a width of 6 feet (1.8 meters). This shrub is characterized by its dense, thorny branches and glossy green leaves, which provide year-round interest. During the spring, it produces clusters of small, white flowers that are moderately showy, followed by bright orange-red berries in the fall and winter, which are attractive to birds and other wildlife.
Formosa Firethorn is valued for its ornamental berries and its ability to form dense hedges or screens, making it a popular choice for defensive planting and wildlife gardens. It is also used for erosion control on slopes due to its robust root system. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate low water conditions once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It adapts well to a variety of well-drained soils. However, gardeners should be aware of its potential invasiveness outside its native range and its susceptibility to fire blight, a bacterial disease that can cause significant damage to the plant. Regular pruning is recommended to maintain its shape and promote good air circulation to minimize disease risk.CC BY-SA 4.0
Formosa Firethorn is valued for its ornamental berries and its ability to form dense hedges or screens, making it a popular choice for defensive planting and wildlife gardens. It is also used for erosion control on slopes due to its robust root system. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate low water conditions once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It adapts well to a variety of well-drained soils. However, gardeners should be aware of its potential invasiveness outside its native range and its susceptibility to fire blight, a bacterial disease that can cause significant damage to the plant. Regular pruning is recommended to maintain its shape and promote good air circulation to minimize disease risk.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 6-10 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hedges, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, forest edges, and scrub areas in Taiwan
Other Names
Common Names: Taiwan Firethorn, 臺灣火刺木
Scientific Names: , Pyracantha koidzumii, Cotoneaster formosana, Cotoneaster taitoensis, Cotoneaster koidzumii, Pyracantha formosana, Pyracantha koidzumii subsp. taitoensis, Pyracantha koidzumii var. taitoensis,
GBIF Accepted Name: Pyracantha koidzumii (Hayata) Rehder