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Scarlet firethorn

How to identify Scarlet firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea)

Scarlet firethorn, also known as Red firethorn

Scarlet firethorn is distinguished by its upright, stiff form, reaching heights and widths of 6 to 18 feet (1.8 to 5.5 meters). It features smooth, reddish-brown bark punctuated with small pores, known as lenticels. The branches bear sharp spines and support lustrous, dark green leaves that are simple, alternately arranged, and 1 to 2.5 inches (2.5 to 6.35 cm) in length. In spring, it produces tight clusters of fetid, 5-petaled white flowers, followed by dense gatherings of orange-red pomes, resembling berries, each 1/4 inch (0.63 cm) across, coming to prominence in the fall.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Scarlet firethorn

1

Upright growth reaching 6-18 feet (1.8-5.5 meters) with reddish-brown bark and spines.

2

Dark green, shiny leaves 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6.4 cm) long, with cuneate bases.

3

Clusters of fetid, white, 5-petaled flowers in spring, 1/3 inch (0.8 cm) wide.

4

Orange-red pomes, berry-like, tightly clustered at 1/4 inch (6 mm) diameter.

5

Distinctive smooth, glossy, reddish-brown trunk bark with scattered lenticels.

Scarlet firethornScarlet firethornScarlet firethornScarlet firethornScarlet firethorn

Detailed Traits of Scarlet firethorn

Leaf Features

The leaves of scarlet firethorn are shiny, dark green, and alternate. They are simple, narrowly elliptic, ovate or lanceolate in shape, with acute tips and cuneate bases. Measuring 1 to 2.5 inches (2.5 to 6.4 cm) in length, the margins can be crenulate-serrulate to entire. The undersides of the leaves are paler and feature a pubescent texture. These evergreen to semi-evergreen leaves are key in identifying scarlet firethorn.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate ,
Fascicled

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Flower Features

The flowers of scarlet firethorn are white, fetid, and 5-petaled, each measuring about 1/3 inch (approximately 0.8 cm) in diameter. These blooms cluster tightly in corymb formations on the spurs of the previous year's growth, with individual clusters ranging from 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in length. The flowers appear from spring to early summer, presenting a showy display.

Scarlet firethorn Flower image
Inflorescence Type

Corymb

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Stem Features

The stems of scarlet firethorn are initially pubescent, but gradually become smooth and glossy. They exhibit a striking reddish-brown color. The stems are armed with numerous short spines, each measuring less than 1 inch (2.54 cm) in length. Small buds are also present along the stems, which contribute to their distinctive appearance.

Scarlet firethorn Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of scarlet firethorn is characterized by its small, brightly colored pomes that resemble berries. Each fruit measures approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) in diameter and exhibits a vibrant orange-red hue. These fruits are notably clustered tightly together, creating a striking visual display. The smooth surface of the fruit is a distinguishing feature, and their persistence on the plant throughout the fall and well into the winter months adds to their ornamental appeal. Known to attract birds, these fruit clusters play a role in seed dispersal for the species.

Scarlet firethorn Fruit image
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Key Facts About Scarlet firethorn

Attributes of Scarlet firethorn
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Height
2.5 m to 3 m
Spread
3.5 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
6 mm to 8 mm
Flower Color
White
Fruit Color
Red
Orange
Stem Color
Green
Brown
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Scarlet firethorn

Family
Rose
Icon allow
Species
Scarlet firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea)
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Distribution Map of Scarlet firethorn

The scarlet firethorn originates from southern Europe and western Asia to Iran, where it occurs in woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed areas. The plant has been introduced to North America, Australia, Africa, and South America, and it's considered invasive in Argentina, Cuba, and several US states. The scarlet firethorn has a negative effect on natural habitats, particularly because it's a host of a tree pathogen.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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