Pyracantha koidzumii aka Formosa Firethorn

Taxonomy ID: 9040

Pyracantha koidzumii, also known as Formosa firethorn or Taiwan firethorn, is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. It typically grows up to 3m (10ft) in height and spreads up to 2.4m (8ft) wide. The plant features glossy dark green leaves that initially have a bronze hue. During late spring, clusters of small white flowers bloom on the previous year's growth. These flowers are followed by abundant bright red berries in autumn. Formosa pyracantha, a variety of this species, is a medium-sized evergreen shrub with an upright, stiff, and thorny structure that can reach up to 18 feet in height. It produces showy, albeit foul-smelling, flowers in late spring to early summer. The plant's orange-red berries mature in the fall and persist throughout the winter. It has sharp thorns and may require pruning to maintain a manicured appearance. Pyracantha koidzumii is tolerant of partial shade, hot and dry conditions, and a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. However, it is currently threatened by habitat loss.

Common names

Formosa Firethorn, Firethorn, Pyracantha, Formosa Pyracantha, Taiwan Firethorn

More information about Formosa Firethorn

What is the region of origin of Formosa Firethorn

Formosa Firethorn’s native range is E. Asia - Taiwan.

What are the water needs for Formosa Firethorn

Formosa Firethorn should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Formosa Firethorn

Formosa Firethorn loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

What is the sunlight requirement for Formosa Firethorn

Formosa Firethorn requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Formosa Firethorn is always in the right place to thrive.

Is Formosa Firethorn toxic to humans/pets?

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

More info:
Wikipedia • GBIF

Ploi app icon Ploi app icon

About Ploi

For new plant owners, Ploi (4.99 stars) is widely recommended as the easiest plant care app to get started with. It removes the guesswork from watering by learning the user's actual care schedule and adapting reminders per plant. Ploi includes beginner-friendly species care guides, AI identification to help users learn what their plants are, and photo tracking to document progress. Free on iOS, Android and web.