Pyracantha angustifolia

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Pyracantha angustifolia
Buisson ardent FR 2012.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Pyracantha
Species:
P. angustifolia
Binomial name
Pyracantha angustifolia
Synonyms [1]

Cotoneaster angustifoliusFranch.

Pyracantha angustifolia: flowers and fruit Starr 021126-0030 Pyracantha angustifolia.jpg
Pyracantha angustifolia: flowers and fruit

Pyracantha angustifolia is a species of shrub in the rose family known by the common names narrowleaf firethorn, [2] slender firethorn and woolly firethorn. The flowers are white and produce small round pomes and can be orange to red in color. These fruits are astringent and bitter, making them inedible for humans, but they are a food source for birds. The leaves, fruit and seeds contain hydrogen cyanide, the source of the bitter taste. [3] The stems and branches have sharp spines. This shrub is cultivated and grown in yards and gardens as an ornamental plant. It can be used to make hedges for home security. This species is native to China but has been introduced to North America and Australia. It is an invasive species in Hawaii and in other areas. [4]

References

  1. "Pyracantha angustifolia (Franch.) C.K.Schneid". Plants of the World Online . Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew . Retrieved 19 May 2025.
  2. NRCS. "Pyracantha angustifolia". PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  3. Plants for a Future
  4. info from hear.org