Pyracantha angustifolia aka Narrowleaf Firethorn

Pyracantha angustifolia is also called narrowleaf firethorn. This shrub belongs to the rose family. It keeps its leaves all year. Its native range runs from Arunachal Pradesh to southern China. It grows where the climate is temperate, and forms thickets on slopes. It also grows by roads in its native range. These sites lie at heights of 5,250–9,840 feet [1,600–3,000 metres]. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The shrub grows fast to about 10 feet [3 metres] tall and wide. It grows upright or takes a vase shape. Its white blooms put on a show in their season. They draw bees, which help pollinate them. Each flower has both male and female organs. Plants For A Future lists bloom time as June to July. Yet its short summary says mid to late spring. The small fruits span about 0.2 inches [5–6 millimetres]. Seeds ripen from October to November.

Grow it in sun or part shade. Shade cuts the fruit crop, so sun gives the best fruit show. It prefers moist loam that drains well but holds some water. It also grows in sand, clay, and chalk soils. Reports differ on how well it copes with heavy soil. It accepts soil that is mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline. It copes with air pollution, wind, and some exposure. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 6–10. It warns that colder parts of Britain may not suit it.

Plant it in groups or belts that give shelter. It can also help stop soil from washing away. Growers can train it flat as an espalier. It suits woodland edges, though shade means less fruit. Blooms and year-round leaves add interest in different seasons. It draws wildlife, but birds favour other firethorns' fruit over its own. Scab and fireblight can harm it. Plants For A Future notes more disease risk in acid, sandy soils.

Plants For A Future lists the fruit as edible. Yet it gives it a low rating for food use. It does not say how to prepare the fruit. It records no use as medicine. Its safety warning rests on the genus as a whole. It does not cite confirmed findings for this species. Thus, the evidence does not settle whether this species is toxic. Growers can raise plants from seed or cuttings. Remove the flesh from fresh seed before sowing it. Stored seed needs three months of cold treatment.