Narrowleaf firethorn
Pyracantha angustifoliafam. Rosaceae
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Pl. 3026 — Pyracantha angustifolia
Pyracantha angustifoliaPyracantha angustifoliaPyracantha angustifoliaPyracantha angustifoliaPyracantha angustifoliaPyracantha angustifoliaPyracantha angustifoliaPyracantha angustifoliaPyracantha angustifoliaPyracantha angustifoliaPyracantha angustifoliaPyracantha angustifoliaPyracantha angustifoliaPyracantha angustifolia
IOverview
Overview
Narrowleaf firethorn (Pyracantha angustifolia) is a shrub native to China's south-central and southeastern regions as well as Tibet. Known for its ornamental value due to its dense growth habit and clusters of small white flowers followed by bright red berries, this plant thrives in full to partial sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Hardy from zones 6-10, it reaches a height of about 3 meters. The fruit is edible, adding another useful feature to its profile.
Quick answers
What is Narrowleaf firethorn?
Narrowleaf firethorn (Pyracantha angustifolia) is a shrub native to China's south-central and southeastern regions as well as Tibet.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Narrowleaf firethorn thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-10 and can grow up to 3 meters tall as a shrub. For propagation, it can be grown from seeds or cuttings. The fruit of the narrowleaf firethorn is edible.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-10
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Narrowleaf firethorn for the first time
8steps
Start with Narrowleaf firethorn as a simple, low-maintenance shrub for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Narrowleaf firethorn plant, well-draining soil, and a container or planting site.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather is mild and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy with good drainage. For containers, use a potting mix suitable for shrubs.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young Narrowleaf firethorn from a nursery pot into your prepared container or garden bed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for any signs of stress or pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to encourage dense growth and remove any dead or damaged branches. Harvest fruit if desired for decorative purposes.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The narrowleaf firethorn's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is often consumed fresh but can also be dried for later use. The fruit adds a tart flavor to jams and jellies when cooked.
Other uses:Wind breakerEspalier
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 14 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 14 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 3 native· 14 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Spain
Asia2 regions
native (1)China
introduced (1)South Korea
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Lesotho
Broader regions
introduced:Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, New South Wales, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Northern Provinces, Argentina Northwest, Argentina Northeast, California, Cape Provinces
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Rosaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Rosaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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