firethorn
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pyracantha
pyracantha (pĭrˌəkănˈthə) or firethorn, any hardwood evergreen shrub of the genus Pyracantha of the family Rosaceae (rose family). Native from S Europe to W China, pyracanthas are now cultivated elsewhere (often as hedge plants or espaliered on walls) for their red fruits and spiny branches. P. coccinea, also called everlasting thorn, is the most popular; it now grows wild in parts of North America. Pyracantha is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Rosales, family Rosaceae.
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firethorn
Thorny hedge with waxy oval leaves and huge bunches of red berries. Makes great protective security barrier for home because of sharp thorns. Berries are quite mealy tasting but don’t eat the seeds (contain cyanide). Most popular use for berries is making jam.
Edible Plant Guide © 2012 Markus Rothkranz