Flower Properties

Property	Value
English Name	Scarlet Firethorn
MainColor	White
PlantType	Shrub
Growth Type	Naturalized
Season	May
ImageUrl	Pyracantha-001
Photographer	DP
Location
Human Toxicity	Mildly_Toxic

Flower Details

Description

Scarlet firethorn is an evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves, clusters of small white flowers in spring, and abundant bright orange-red berries in autumn and winter. Its sharp thorns make it a popular choice for security hedging.

Distribution

Native to southern Europe and western Asia, widely planted in the UK as an ornamental hedge and for wildlife. It grows well in a range of soils and tolerates urban conditions.

Medicinal/Other Uses

No significant medicinal use recorded in Western herbalism, though the berries of related species have been used in traditional remedies in parts of Asia.

Edibility

The berries are not considered edible raw due to their bitterness and potential for causing digestive upset. However, they can be cooked and strained to make jellies in some traditional recipes.

Human Toxicity

The seeds inside the berries contain cyanogenic compounds, which can be toxic in large amounts if eaten raw. Cooking reduces the risk.

Pet Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets (berries cause vomiting, diarrhea if eaten in quantity)

Active Compounds

Cyanogenic glycosides (in seeds), tannins, and various polyphenols.