Pyracantha coccinea (scarlet firethorn)
Index
- Pictures
- Identity
- Summary of Invasiveness
- Taxonomic Tree
- Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Description
- Plant Type
- Distribution
- Distribution Table
- History of Introduction and Spread
- Introductions
- Risk of Introduction
- Habitat
- Habitat List
- Hosts/Species Affected
- Biology and Ecology
- Climate
- Latitude/Altitude Ranges
- Air Temperature
- Rainfall
- Rainfall Regime
- Soil Tolerances
- Natural enemies
- Notes on Natural Enemies
- Means of Movement and Dispersal
- Pathway Causes
- Pathway Vectors
- Impact Summary
- Economic Impact
- Environmental Impact
- Social Impact
- Risk and Impact Factors
- Uses
- Uses List
- Prevention and Control
- Gaps in Knowledge/Research Needs
- References
- Links to Websites
- Contributors
- Distribution Maps
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Top of pagePreferred Scientific Name
- Pyracantha coccinea M. Roem.
Preferred Common Name
- scarlet firethorn
Other Scientific Names
- Cotoneaster pyracantha (L.) Spach
- Crataegus pauciflora Andr.
- Crataegus pyracantha (L.) Medik.
- Gymnopyrenium pyracantha (L.) Dulac
- Mespilus pauciflora Poir.
- Mespilus pyracantha L.
- Pyracantha lucida De Vos
- Pyracantha pauciflora (Poir.) M.Roem.
- Pyracantha spinosa De Vos
- Pyracantha vulgaris Lothelier
- Timbalia pyracantha (L.) Clos
International Common Names
- English: firethorn; pyracanth
- Spanish: espino de fuego; piracanta
- French: buisson ardent
- Portuguese: espinheiro-ardente; sarça-de-moisés
Local Common Names
- Brazil: espinho-de-fogo; espino-perpétuo; piracanta
- China: huo ji
- Colombia: holly
- Germany: Scharlach- Feuerdorn
- Italy: agazzino
- Portugal: sarça-ardente
- Sweden: eldtorn
- UK: ever-green thorn
- USA: everlasting thorn; fiery thorn; pyracantha
EPPO code
- PYECO (Pyracantha coccinea)
Summary of Invasiveness
Top of pagePyracantha coccinea is a thorny shrub, native to southern Europe and western Asia, which has been widely introduced, primarily as an ornamental plant. It is of some concern due to its potential effects on natural habitats and its being a potential reservoir of the fruit-tree pathogen Erwinia amylovora, but is has only been recorded as invasive in a small number of countries, and in most of these sources differ as to how invasive it is.
Taxonomic Tree
Top of page- Domain: Eukaryota
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Spermatophyta
- Subphylum: Angiospermae
- Class: Dicotyledonae
- Order: Rosales
- Family: Rosaceae
- Genus: Pyracantha
- Species: Pyracantha coccinea
Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
Top of pagePyracantha is a genus of thorny shrubs in the Rosaceae family comprising about 10 species that are native to Asia and Europe (Csurhes et al., 2016). The genus name comes from the Greek pyr meaning fire and akantha meaning a thorn, referring to the thorny branches and the colour of the fruits. The specific epithet of Pyracantha coccinea comes from the Latin, meaning scarlet (Missouri Botanical Garden, 2017a).
Description
Top of pageThe following description is from Flora of North America Editorial Committee (2017):
Shrub with crowns spreading, 10–60 dm. Young twigs gray-hairy, glabrescent later. Leaves with stipules 4–8 mm; petiole 2–5 mm; blade elliptic or ovate to lanceolate or oblanceolate, 2–4 × 0.7–1.5 cm, base cuneate, margins finely crenulate-serrulate, apex acute, rarely obtuse, abaxial surface slightly hairy when young, glabrescent, adaxial glabrous. Inflorescences 3–4 cm diam.; bracteoles in distal axils 4–10 × 3–4 mm. Pedicels 3–10 mm, with coarse pale hairs. Flowers 6–8 mm diam.; hypanthium finely hairy; sepals triangular, 1.5–2 mm, apex acute; petals suborbiculate, 3–5 mm, apex rounded. Pomes bright red, 5–8 mm diam.; pedicels 5–12 mm.
Distribution
Top of pagePyracantha coccinea is native from southern Europe into the Caucasus Mountains in western Asia (Floridata, 2017). There are fossil records from the Pleistocene of the species extending into the north of Italy and into the UK, indicating that the temperature ranges were considerably warmer than at present (West et al., 1960; Sparks and West, 1970, Martinetto 2009). The species has been widely introduced and is reported as present in Asia, Africa, North America, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, Europe and Oceania (see Distribution Table for details).
Pyracantha coccinea has been reported as invasive in Cuba, USA, Argentina and Japan, but not all sources agree on this. Vergara-Tabares et al. (2016) cite the species as being invasive at Japan, but it is not on the list of invasive species for that country, only reported as an alien species (National Institute for Environmental Studies, 2017). Oviedo Prieto et al. (2012) list it as invasive in Cuba, but no details are provided, the genus is not suited to hot tropical areas (Csurhes et al., 2016), and the species is not reported as present elsewhere in the West Indies by Acevedo-Rodríguez and Strong (2012).
In the USA the species is reported as invasive for Texas (Texas Invasives, 2017), but according to Nesom (2009) it is not invasive there as it falls under category F3 (“a species known from relatively few numbers, known from relatively few localities, usually in disturbed habitats, repeatedly introduced or perhaps merely long-persisting at some localities, not showing aggressively invasive tendencies, or perhaps incipiently invasive”). Although listed as invasive for Georgia in the Invasive Plant Atlas (Swearingen and Bargeron, 2017), it is listed there as a Category 4 exotic plant, defined “as being naturalized, but generally not posing a problem in natural areas or as a potentially invasive plant in need of additional information to determine its true status” (Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council, 2017). Although listed as invasive in California (Swearingen and Bargeron, 2017), it is also considered as a “waif”, not being able to survive and reproduce without human help where not native (Plantright, 2017), and in 2016 its status in California was reconsidered and changed to being a species to watch, with a low risk of invasiveness as successful new introductions are rare, especially in areas that do not provide an ideal cool, moist climate (California Invasive Plant Council, 2017).
Villalobos et al. (2010) report that despite the high seed production and Pyracantha coccinea being established in abandoned agricultural fields in the Montpellier region of southern France, it has not become a widespread invasive. Although the conditions in these fields may promote its establishment and growth, seed predation and the lack of summer dormancy prevent it becoming a widespread invasive.
In Australia, the different Pyracantha species can form dense thickets and compete with the native vegetation, but they are not considered as invasive, but rather as potentially high-risk weeds only in some areas (Csurhes et al., 2016).
Distribution Table
Top of pageThe distribution in this summary table is based on all the information available. When several references are cited, they may give conflicting information on the status. Further details may be available for individual references in the Distribution Table Details section which can be selected by going to Generate Report.
Last updated: 26 Jun 2020Continent/Country/Region | Distribution | Last Reported | Origin | First Reported | Invasive | Reference | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Africa |
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South Africa | Present | Introduced | At 1400 to 1500 m elev. | ||||
Zimbabwe | Present, Only in captivity/cultivation | Introduced | Ornamental | ||||
Asia |
|||||||
Armenia | Present | Native | |||||
Azerbaijan | Present | Native | |||||
China | Present | Introduced | |||||
Georgia | Present | Native | |||||
Iran | Present | Native | |||||
Japan | Present | Introduced | |||||
Lebanon | Present | Native | |||||
Syria | Present | Native | |||||
Taiwan | Present | Introduced | |||||
Turkey | Present | Native | |||||
Yemen | Present | Introduced | |||||
Europe |
|||||||
Albania | Present | Native | |||||
Austria | Present, Only in captivity/cultivation | Introduced | 1623 | ||||
Belgium | Present | Introduced | |||||
Bulgaria | Present | Native | |||||
Croatia | Present | Native | |||||
Czechia | Present, Only in captivity/cultivation | Introduced | |||||
Denmark | Present | Introduced | |||||
France | Present | Native | |||||
-Corsica | Present | Introduced | |||||
Germany | Present | Introduced | |||||
Greece | Present | Native | |||||
Hungary | Present | Introduced | |||||
Ireland | Present | Introduced | |||||
Italy | Present | Native | |||||
Montenegro | Present | Native | |||||
North Macedonia | Present | Native | |||||
Norway | Present | Introduced | |||||
Portugal | Present | Introduced | |||||
Russia | Present | Native | |||||
Slovakia | Present | ||||||
Spain | Present | Native | |||||
Sweden | Present | Introduced | |||||
Switzerland | Present | Native | |||||
Ukraine | Present | Native | |||||
United Kingdom | Present | Introduced | 1629 | Naturalized | Cultivated and naturalized | ||
North America |
|||||||
Bermuda | Present, Only in captivity/cultivation | Introduced | 1914 | Planted. Orange Valley. No recent reports. | |||
Canada | Present | Introduced | |||||
-British Columbia | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Newfoundland and Labrador | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Nova Scotia | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Ontario | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Prince Edward Island | Present | Introduced | |||||
Costa Rica | Present | Introduced | |||||
Cuba | Present | Introduced | One source says that it is invasive | ||||
Mexico | Present, Only in captivity/cultivation | Introduced | Ornamental in urban areas and public gardens in Monterrey | ||||
Trinidad and Tobago | Present | Introduced | |||||
United States | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Alabama | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Arizona | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Arkansas | Present | Introduced | |||||
-California | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Colorado | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Connecticut | Present, Only in captivity/cultivation | Introduced | |||||
-District of Columbia | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Florida | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Georgia | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Indiana | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Kansas | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Kentucky | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Louisiana | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Maryland | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Mississippi | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Missouri | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Nevada | Present | Introduced | |||||
-New Jersey | Present | Introduced | |||||
-New Mexico | Present | Introduced | |||||
-New York | Present | Introduced | |||||
-North Carolina | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Ohio | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Oklahoma | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Oregon | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Pennsylvania | Present | Introduced | |||||
-South Carolina | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Tennessee | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Texas | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
-Utah | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Virginia | Present | Introduced | |||||
-Washington | Present | Introduced | |||||
Oceania |
|||||||
Australia | Present | Introduced | Naturalized | Source says that this species is naturalized only in South Australia but (in the context of Queensland) that 'most species of Pyracantha have been used in some way as garden ornamentals in Australia'. | |||
-South Australia | Present, Localized | Introduced | Naturalized | Source says that this species is naturalized only locally but (in the context of Queensland) that 'most species of Pyracantha have been used in some way as garden ornamentals in Australia'. | |||
New Zealand | Present | Introduced | |||||
South America |
|||||||
Argentina | Present | Introduced | Invasive | Buenos Aires and Córdoba highlands; invasive in the latter | |||
Bolivia | Present | Introduced | La Paz | ||||
Brazil | Present, Only in captivity/cultivation | Introduced | |||||
-Minas Gerais | Present, Only in captivity/cultivation | Introduced | |||||
-Parana | Present, Only in captivity/cultivation | Introduced | |||||
-Rio Grande do Sul | Present, Only in captivity/cultivation | Introduced | |||||
-Sao Paulo | Present, Only in captivity/cultivation | Introduced | |||||
Chile | Present | Introduced | |||||
Peru | Present | Introduced | Cajamarca; in disturbed areas and shrublands | ||||
Venezuela | Present, Only in captivity/cultivation | Introduced | At the Botanical Garden in Caracas |
History of Introduction and Spread
Top of pagePyracantha coccinea has been in cultivation in Europe since the 16th century (Encyclopedia of Life, 2017). It was brought to Central Europe between 1600-1650 as an ornamental, being present in Austria in 1623 (Lesel, 1994). It is also reported as being cultivated in the 17th century in what is now the UK, by 1629 in London and in Scotland by 1683. It was introduced to North America as an ornamental during the 18th century (Encyclopedia of Life, 2017). A member of the genus is reported as cultivated in Australia in 1867 (Csurhes et al., 2016). There are collections from Bermuda from 1914 (New York Botanical Garden, 2017). Its spread in the Córdoba highlands region in Argentina is attributed to bird dispersion (Vergara-Tabares et al., 2016).
Introductions
Top of pageIntroduced to | Introduced from | Year | Reason | Introduced by | Established in wild through | References | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Natural reproduction | Continuous restocking | |||||||
Bermuda | 1914 | Horticulture (pathway cause) | No | No | New York Botanical Garden (2017) | No recent reports | ||
Austria | 1623 | Horticulture (pathway cause) | No | No | Lesel (1994) | |||
UK | 1629 | Horticulture (pathway cause) | No | No | Harvey (1998) | |||
Australia | 1867 | Horticulture (pathway cause) | No | No | Csurhes et al. (2016) | 1867 record refers to the genus, not necessarily to this species |
Risk of Introduction
Top of pagePyracantha coccinea is a species with a low risk of introduction into hot tropical areas and a higher risk in temperate areas and high elevations in subtropical areas. It is adapted to temperate climates and will not do well in hot tropical areas (Csurhes et al., 2016; Dave's Garden, 2017). Its popularity as an ornamental has facilitated its introduction worldwide since the early 17th century (Lesel, 1994). Also, its suggested use to provide fruits to birds at the beginning of winter enhance its risk of introduction in temperate areas (Sallabanks, 1993).
Habitat
Top of pageP. coccinea is found in rocky and steep areas, woodlands, coastal scrub, riparian areas, roadsides and borders of grasslands (Olmez et al., 2007; California Invasive Plant Council, 2017; PFAF, 2017). Members of the genus can be found in disturbed sites (Csurhes et al., 2016).
Habitat List
Top of pageCategory | Sub-Category | Habitat | Presence | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
Terrestrial | Managed | Disturbed areas | Present, no further details | Natural |
Terrestrial | Managed | Rail / roadsides | Present, no further details | Natural |
Terrestrial | Managed | Rail / roadsides | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
Terrestrial | Managed | Urban / peri-urban areas | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Natural forests | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Natural forests | Present, no further details | Natural |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Natural grasslands | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Natural grasslands | Present, no further details | Natural |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Riverbanks | Present, no further details | Natural |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Rocky areas / lava flows | Present, no further details | Natural |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Scrub / shrublands | Present, no further details | Natural |
Littoral | Coastal areas | Present, no further details | Natural |
Hosts/Species Affected
Top of pageThe Pyracantha species are hosts of Erwinia amylovora, which causes fireblight, a serious disease of apples and pears (Csurhes et al., 2016). Caution should be taken when members of the genus are present near apple and pear orchards (Csurhes et al., 2016).
Biology and Ecology
Top of pageGenetics
The chromosome number reported for Pyracantha coccinea is 2n = 34 (Flora of North America Editorial Committee, 2017). Germplasm resources are available at the USDA-ARS facilities (USDA-ARS, 2017). The species has DNA barcode information available at the Barcode of Life Data System (Barcode of Life Data System, 2017).
Cultivars and hybrids are available, varying by form, fruit colour and hardiness (Floridata, 2017).
Reproductive Biology
Pyracantha coccinea reproduces by seed and from stem cuttings and grafting (Dave’s Garden, 2017). In vitro propagation protocols are provided by Dong et al. (2017). The species is reported as being pollinated by bees (PFAF, 2017). The seeds germinate best after cold stratification for 90-120 days (Olmez et al., 2007; Missouri Botanical Garden, 2017a).
Physiology and Phenology
Pyracantha coccinea flowers during the spring; the fruits begin to develop during the summer and mature in the late autumn (Villalobos et al., 2010; Dave’s Garden, 2017). Best seed germination is obtained after soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours and with cold stratification for 90-120 days (Olmez et al., 2007; Missouri Botanical Garden, 2017a).The species is evergreen in mild climates, but semi-evergreen to deciduous in colder areas (Missouri Botanical Garden 2017a). It has a fast growth rate (Encyclopedia of Life, 2017).
Longevity
Pyracantha coccinea is reported as having a moderate life span, without further details (Encyclopedia of Life, 2017).
Environmental Requirements
Pyracantha species are best adapted to temperate Mediterranean climates (Csurhes et al., 2016). Although P. coccinea grows in areas with colder winters, it should be planted in areas sheltered from cold winds (Missouri Botanical Garden, 2017a). The species can survive in areas with temperatures down to -28.8 °C, although it is best suited to areas that do not get as cold as this (Dave’s Garden, 2017; The Spruce, 2017). It does not do well in hot tropical climates; it does grow in regions with average warmest-month of 26° to 30°C (Csurhes et al., 2016). It is reported in areas with an annual precipitation between 950 mm and 1350 mm. It is drought-tolerant; it prefers full sun, but will grow in shaded conditions. Its soil pH preference is mildly acidic (6.1 to 6.5), but it will grow at acid, neutral and basic soils (Dave’s Garden, 2017; PFAF, 2017). It is adapted to fine to medium textured soils, but will grow in other soils, if they are well-drained. It tolerates strong winds, but not maritime exposure; it is not fire resistant (PFAF, 2017).
Climate
Top of pageClimate | Status | Description | Remark |
---|---|---|---|
Af - Tropical rainforest climate | Tolerated | > 60mm precipitation per month | |
Aw - Tropical wet and dry savanna climate | Tolerated | < 60mm precipitation driest month (in winter) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25]) | |
BS - Steppe climate | Tolerated | > 430mm and < 860mm annual precipitation | |
Cs - Warm temperate climate with dry summer | Preferred | Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, dry summers | |
Cw - Warm temperate climate with dry winter | Preferred | Warm temperate climate with dry winter (Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, dry winters) | |
Cf - Warm temperate climate, wet all year | Preferred | Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, wet all year | |
Ds - Continental climate with dry summer | Tolerated | Continental climate with dry summer (Warm average temp. > 10°C, coldest month < 0°C, dry summers) |
Latitude/Altitude Ranges
Top of pageLatitude North (°N) | Latitude South (°S) | Altitude Lower (m) | Altitude Upper (m) |
---|---|---|---|
53 | -36 |
Air Temperature
Top of pageParameter | Lower limit | Upper limit |
---|---|---|
Absolute minimum temperature (ºC) | -28.8 | |
Mean maximum temperature of hottest month (ºC) | 30 | |
Mean minimum temperature of coldest month (ºC) | -20.5 |
Rainfall
Top of pageParameter | Lower limit | Upper limit | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Mean annual rainfall | 950mm | 1350mm | mm; lower/upper limits |
Soil Tolerances
Top of pageSoil drainage
- free
Soil reaction
- acid
- alkaline
- neutral
Soil texture
- heavy
- light
- medium
Natural enemies
Top of pageNatural enemy | Type | Life stages | Specificity | References | Biological control in | Biological control on |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eriosoma lanigerum | Herbivore | Leaves/Stems | not specific | |||
Erwinia amylovora | Pathogen | not specific | ||||
Fusicladium pyracanthae | Pathogen | not specific | ||||
Phyllonorycter leucographella | Herbivore | Leaves | not specific | |||
Pseudomonas syringae | Pathogen | not specific | ||||
Venturia inaequalis | Pathogen | not specific |
Notes on Natural Enemies
Top of pageFungi and bacteria reported as affecting Pyracantha coccinea include Erwinia amylovora, Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, Spilocaea pyracanthae [Fusicladium pyracanthae] and Venturia inaequalis (Bobev et al., 2004, 2008; Gladieux et al., 2010; Encyclopedia of Life, 2017). According to Dave’s Garden (2017), the seedlings are susceptible to fungi in tropical climates.
Possible insect pests include aphids, lace bugs, mites and scales (Missouri Botanical Garden, 2017a; The Spruce, 2017). Specific species reported to affecting Pyracantha coccinea are Phyllonorycter leucographella and Eriosoma lanigerum (Walczak et al., 2010; Ortiz-Martínez et al., 2013).
Means of Movement and Dispersal
Top of pageVector Transmission (Biotic)
Pyracantha coccinea is dispersed by birds, being an important food source between late autumn and early spring (Debussche and Isenmann, 1985). For example, in Europe, seeds have been found in stomach contents and droppings of the European robin, Erithacus rubecula, with dispersion occurring less than 100 m from the maternal plants (Debussche and Isenmann, 1990, 1994).
Accidental Introduction
Pyracantha coccinea is found in disturbed areas near where it is cultivated (Csurhes et al., 2016). Movement of garden waste is one means by which it can be spread (California Invasive Plant Council, 2017)
Intentional Introduction
Ornamental use of Pyracantha coccinea, and its transport to new areas for this purpose, have been recorded since the 17th century (Lesel, 1994). It is sold locally and internationally at nurseries and over the internet (Dave’s Garden, 2017).
Pathway Causes
Top of pageCause | Notes | Long Distance | Local | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Breeding and propagation | For ornamental purposes. | Yes | Yes | Dave’s Garden, 2017 |
Digestion and excretion | In stomach and droppings of birds. | Yes | Debussche and Isenmann, 1985 | |
Escape from confinement or garden escape | As a garden escape aided by bird dispersal. | Yes | Vergara-Tabares et al., 2016 | |
Garden waste disposal | Yes | California Invasive Plant Council, 2017 | ||
Hedges and windbreaks | Yes | Yes | Dave’s Garden, 2017 | |
Horticulture | Popular ornamental shrub. | Yes | Yes | Dave’s Garden, 2017 |
Internet sales | Seeds and plants sold over the internet | Yes | Yes | |
Nursery trade | Sold in nurseries | Yes | Yes | Dave’s Garden, 2017 |
Ornamental purposes | Yes | Yes | Dave’s Garden, 2017 | |
Seed trade | Seeds are sold online and traded by gardeners. | Yes | Yes | Dave’s Garden, 2017 |
Pathway Vectors
Top of pageVector | Notes | Long Distance | Local | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Debris and waste associated with human activities | Waste from its cultivation. | Yes | California Invasive Plant Council, 2017 | |
Sold locally and internationally at various internet sites. | Yes | Yes | ||
Soil, sand and gravel | Seeds could be dispersed in soil debris associated with its cultivation. | Yes | California Invasive Plant Council, 2017 |
Impact Summary
Top of pageCategory | Impact |
---|---|
Cultural/amenity | Positive |
Economic/livelihood | Positive |
Environment (generally) | Positive and negative |
Economic Impact
Top of pageThe Pyracantha species are hosts of Erwinia amylovora, which causes fireblight, which seriously affect apples and pear crops (Csurhes et al., 2016).
Environmental Impact
Top of pageImpact on Habitats
Pyracantha coccinea can affect fire risk. It has a medium flammability; the litter is slow to ignite and although flame propagation is low, it can burn for a long time (Ganteaume et al., 2013).
Impact on Biodiversity
Pyracantha coccinea is reported as outcompeting native species in forest areas in Texas, USA (Texas Invasives, 2017).
Social Impact
Top of pageCsurhes et al. (2016) report that Pyracantha species have the potential to form thorny thickets in riparian habitats and nearby pastures in Australia, with the possible effect of reducing productivity and impeding the movement of grazing animals and people.
The species of Pyracantha are recorded as having a low toxicity due to cyanogenic glycosides, with the possibility of causing gastrointestinal problems in dogs (Cortinovis and Caloni, 2013).
Risk and Impact Factors
Top of page- Proved invasive outside its native range
- Has a broad native range
- Highly adaptable to different environments
- Is a habitat generalist
- Tolerates, or benefits from, cultivation, browsing pressure, mutilation, fire etc
- Pioneering in disturbed areas
- Tolerant of shade
- Fast growing
- Has high reproductive potential
- Reproduces asexually
- Has high genetic variability
- Ecosystem change/ habitat alteration
- Negatively impacts agriculture
- Threat to/ loss of native species
- Rapid growth
- Produces spines, thorns or burrs
- Highly likely to be transported internationally deliberately
Uses
Top of pageEconomic Value
Pyracantha coccinea is a popular ornamental shrub in domestic gardens and commercial landscapes (Floridata, 2016), and is widely grown and traded.
Social Benefit
Pyracantha coccinea is a popular ornamental species, used for hedges and screens, massed to cover slopes, and used in espaliers to cover walls or fences. Because of its spines, it is grown near windows and as hedges around properties for protection (Dave’s Garden, 2017; Floridata, 2017). It is used in arrangements and bouquets because its attractive foliage and berries (Gutiérrez et al., 2007; Floridata, 2017). The fruits are used for jellies, sauces and marmalades (PFAF, 2017).
Environmental Services
Pyracantha coccinea flowers attract bees and butterflies. The fruits are an important food source for birds during the winter (McPherson 1987; Dave’s Garden, 2017). Its branches are used by birds for nesting (California Invasive Plant Council, 2017).
The use of this species has been proposed by Akguc et al. (2010) for the biomonitoring of copper and nickel. It is also used to prevent soil erosion (Olmez et al., 2007).
Uses List
Top of pageEnvironmental
- Amenity
- Boundary, barrier or support
- Erosion control or dune stabilization
- Wildlife habitat
General
- Botanical garden/zoo
Human food and beverage
- Fruits
Ornamental
- garden plant
- Seed trade
Prevention and Control
Top of pageDue to the variable regulations around (de)registration of pesticides, your national list of registered pesticides or relevant authority should be consulted to determine which products are legally allowed for use in your country when considering chemical control. Pesticides should always be used in a lawful manner, consistent with the product's label.
Chemical Control
Dikegulac-sodium (3000-6000 p.p.m.) and chlorflurenol treatments reduce shoot and foliage growth of Pyracantha coccinea (Cohen 1978). Simazin causes severe foliage injury (Ries et al., 1959).
Gaps in Knowledge/Research Needs
Top of pageInformation about the seed germination requirements and seedling establishment of Pyracantha coccinea is needed, as is detailed information about its invasiveness and its effects on natural habitats, especially in tropical areas.
References
Top of pageAfrican Plant Database, 2017. African Plant Database. http://www.ville-ge.ch/musinfo/bd/cjb/africa/
Barcode of Life Data System, 2017. Barcode of Life Data System. http://www.boldsystems.org/
California Invasive Plant Council, 2017. Plants A to Z. Berkeley, California, USA: California Invasive Plant Council.https://www.cal-ipc.org/plants/profiles/
Conover, MR, Kania, GS, 1988. Browsing preference of white-tailed deer for different ornamental species. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 16(2), 175-179. https://www.jstor.org/stable/3782186
Csurhes, S, Weber, J, Zhou, Y, 2016. Invasive plant risk assessment: Firethorn: Pyracantha species. Queensland, Australia: Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Biosecurity Queensland.26 pp. https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/55776/IPA-Firethorn-Risk-Assessment.pdf
Debussche M, Isenmann P, 1985. Frugivory of transient and wintering European Robins Erithacus rubecula in a Mediterranean region and its relationship with ornithochory. Holartic Ecology, 8(2), 157-163.
Debussche M, Isenmann P, 1990. Introduced and cultivated fleshy-fruited plants: consequences of a mutualistic Mediterranean plant-bird system. In: Biological Invasions in Europe and the Mediterranean Basin, [ed. by Castri F di, Hansen AJ, Debussche M]. Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-1876-4_26 [Monographiae Biologicae, vol 65]
Encyclopedia of Life, 2017. Encyclopedia of Life. In: Encyclopedia of Life . http://www.eol.org
Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council, 2017. List of Non-native Invasive Plants in Georgia. Tifton, Georgia, USA: Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health.https://www.gaeppc.org/list/
Harvey, JH, 1998. The English nursery flora, 1677-1723. Garden History, 26(1), 60-101.
Lasser, T, Braun, A, Steyermark, J, 1974. Catalogue of plants growing in the Botanical Garden of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Caracas. (Catálogo de las plantas que crecen en el Jardín Botánico del Ministerio de Agricultura y Cría, Caracas). In: Acta Botánica Venezuélica , 9(1/4) . 9-61. https://www.jstor.org/stable/41740621
Lesel, A, 1994. Neugebäude Palace and its gardens: The green dream of Maximilian II. Ekistics, 61(364/365), 59-67.
Maroyi, A, 2008. Preliminary checklist of introduced and naturalized plants in Zimbabw. Kirkia, 18(2), 177-247. https://www.jstor.org/stable/23502330
Martinetto E, 2009. Palaeoenvironmental significance of plant macrofossils from the Piànico Formation, Middle Pleistocene of Lombardy, North Italy. Quaternary International, 204, 20-30.
McPherson JM, 1987. A field study of winter fruit preferences of Cedar Waxwings. The Condor, 89(2), 293-306.
National Institute for Environmental Studies, 2017. Invasive Species of Japan. Tsukuba, Japan: National Institute for Environmental Studies.http://www.nies.go.jp/biodiversity/invasive/index-en.html
Nesom, GL, 2009. Assessment of invasiveness and ecological impact in non-native plants of Texas. Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, 3(2), 971-991.
Olmez Z, Temel F, Gokturk A, Yahyaogiu Z, 2007. Effect of cold stratification treatments on germination of drought tolerant shrubs seeds. Journal of Environmental Biology, 28(22), 447-453.
Plantright, 2017. Plantright. Sacramento, California, USA: Plantright.https://plantright.org/
Robertson, FW, 2001. James Sutherland’s “Hortus Medicus Edinburgensis” (1683). Garden History, 29(2), 121-151.
Rocha Estrada, A, Torres Cepeda, TE, González de la Rosa, MC, Martínez Lozano, SJ, Alvarado Vázquez, MA, 1988. (Flora ornamental en plazas y jardines públicos del área metropolitan de Monterrey, México). Sida, 18(2), 579-586.
Sparks BW, West RG, 1970. Late Pleistocene deposits at Wretton, Norfolk. I. Ipswichian interglacial deposits. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, 258(818), 1-30. doi: https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.1970.0030
Texas Invasives, 2017. Texas Invasives. https://www.texasinvasives.org/
The Spruce, 2017. Growing Trees & Shrubs. New York, New York, USA: The Spruce.https://www.thespruce.com/trees-and-shrubs-4127746
West RG, Sparks BW, Sutcliffe AT, 1960. Coastal interglacial deposits of the English Channel. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, 243(701), 95-133. doi: https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.1960.0006
ZipcodeZoo, 2017. ZipcodeZoo. Bethesda, Maryland, USA: The Bayscience Foundation, Inc.http://zipcodezoo.com/
Distribution References
African Plant Database, 2017. African Plant Database., http://www.ville-ge.ch/musinfo/bd/cjb/africa/
CABI, 2020. CABI Distribution Database: Status as determined by CABI editor. Wallingford, UK: CABI
California Invasive Plant Council, 2017. Plants A to Z., Berkeley, California, USA: California Invasive Plant Council. https://www.cal-ipc.org/plants/profiles/
Conover MR, Kania GS, 1988. Browsing preference of white-tailed deer for different ornamental species. Wildlife Society Bulletin. 16 (2), 175-179. https://www.jstor.org/stable/3782186
Csurhes S, Weber J, Zhou Y, 2016. Invasive plant risk assessment: Firethorn: Pyracantha species., Queensland, Australia: Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Biosecurity Queensland. 26 pp. https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/55776/IPA-Firethorn-Risk-Assessment.pdf
Encyclopedia of Life, 2017. Encyclopedia of Life. In: Encyclopedia of Life. http://www.eol.org
Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council, 2017. List of Non-native Invasive Plants in Georgia., Tifton, Georgia, USA: Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. https://www.gaeppc.org/list/
Harvey JH, 1998. The English nursery flora, 1677-1723. Garden History. 26 (1), 60-101.
Lasser T, Braun A, Steyermark J, 1974. Catalogue of plants growing in the Botanical Garden of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Caracas. (Catálogo de las plantas que crecen en el Jardín Botánico del Ministerio de Agricultura y Cría, Caracas). In: Acta Botánica Venezuélica, 9 (1/4) 9-61. https://www.jstor.org/stable/41740621
Lesel A, 1994. Neugebäude Palace and its gardens: The green dream of Maximilian II. Ekistics. 61 (364/365), 59-67.
Maroyi A, 2008. Preliminary checklist of introduced and naturalized plants in Zimbabw. Kirkia. 18 (2), 177-247. https://www.jstor.org/stable/23502330
National Institute for Environmental Studies, 2017. Invasive Species of Japan., Tsukuba, Japan: National Institute for Environmental Studies. http://www.nies.go.jp/biodiversity/invasive/index-en.html
Nesom GL, 2009. Assessment of invasiveness and ecological impact in non-native plants of Texas. Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas. 3 (2), 971-991.
Robertson FW, 2001. James Sutherland’s “Hortus Medicus Edinburgensis” (1683). Garden History. 29 (2), 121-151.
Rocha Estrada A, Torres Cepeda TE, González de la Rosa MC, Martínez Lozano SJ, Alvarado Vázquez MA, 1988. (Flora ornamental en plazas y jardines públicos del área metropolitan de Monterrey, México). Sida. 18 (2), 579-586.
Texas Invasives, 2017. Texas Invasives., https://www.texasinvasives.org/
ZipcodeZoo, 2017. ZipcodeZoo. Bethesda, Maryland, USA: The Bayscience Foundation, Inc. http://zipcodezoo.com/
Links to Websites
Top of pageWebsite | URL | Comment |
---|---|---|
African Plant Database | http://www.ville-ge.ch/musinfo/bd/cjb/africa/recherche.php | |
California Invasive Plant Council | http://www.cal-ipc.org/ | |
Dave’s Garden | https://davesgarden.com | |
Encyclopedia of Life | http://eol.org/ | |
Euro + Med PlantBase | http://www.emplantbase.org/home.html | |
Flora do Brasil | http://floradobrasil.jbrj.gov.br | |
Floridata | https://floridata.com | |
Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council | https://www.gaeppc.org/list/ | |
GISD/IASPMR: Invasive Alien Species Pathway Management Resource and DAISIE European Invasive Alien Species Gateway | https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.m93f6 | Data source for updated system data added to species habitat list. |
Global register of Introduced and Invasive species (GRIIS) | http://griis.org/ | Data source for updated system data added to species habitat list. |
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States | https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/ | |
New York Botanical Garden database | http://sweetgum.nybg.org/science/vh/ | |
Plant Finder | http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfindersearch.aspx | |
Plantright | https://plantright.org | |
Plants for a Future | http://www.pfaf.org | |
Texas Invasives | https://texasinvasives.org | |
The Barcode of Life Data Systems | http://www.boldsystems.org/index.php/TaxBrowser_Home |
Contributors
Top of page29/12/17: Original text by:
Jeanine Vélez-Gavilán, Universidad de Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
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