Narrowleaf firethorn
Pyracantha angustifolia (Franch.) C.K.Schneid.

Pyracantha angustifolia is a spiny shrub in the Rosaceae family, commonly known as narrowleaf firethorn. It produces white flowers and small, astringent, red or orange pomes containing hydrogen cyanide. The plant is cultivated as an ornamental and used for hedges. Native to China, it has been introduced to North America, Australia, and other regions, where it is invasive in areas like Hawaii.
Description
Pyracantha angustifolia is a shrub in the rose family (Rosaceae) with narrow leaves and sharp spines. It bears white flowers that develop into small, round pomes, typically orange to red in color. These fruits are bitter and inedible for humans but serve as a food source for birds. The plant's leaves, fruit, and seeds contain hydrogen cyanide, contributing to its bitter taste. Cultivated as an ornamental, it is used in landscaping for hedges and security. Native to China, it has been introduced to regions including North America, Australia, and parts of Africa and South America. It is considered invasive in Hawaii and other locations. The species was first described in 1906 and is found in a wide range of protected and global areas.
Other common names
Narrowleaf firethornorange firethornyellow firethornyellow fire-thorn
Distribution
ZA · SZ · AR · Madeira · Spain · LS · ZM · AM · AU · NZ · Camdeboo National Park · Garden Route National Park · Golden Gate Highlands National Park · Mountain Zebra National Park · Table Mountain National Park · Tankwa-Karoo National Park · BR · Antioquia, Boyacá, Cundinamarca · Global · JP · Jardín Botánico de Bogotá · Bogotá · Hawaii · conterminous 48 United States · Argentina Northeast · Argentina Northwest · California · Cape Provinces · China South-Central · China Southeast
Synonyms
Cotoneaster angustifolius





