scarlet firethorn Rosaceae Pyracantha coccinea M. Roem. symbol: PYCO2 Leaf: Alternate, simple, oblong to lanceolate, serrated margin, 1 to 2 inches long, evergreen, shiny, dark green above, paler and pubescent below. Flower: Creamy white, 5 petals, 1/3 inch across in tight clusters several inches across, appearing in late spring to early summer.. Fruit: Small pome, 1/4 inch across, bright orange-red, occurring in tight clusters, very showy, ripens in late summer and persists through the winter. Twig: Slender, initially pubescent, later glaborous, red-brown, numerous spines, small buds. Bark: Smooth reddish brown with numerous lenticels. Form: Upright, open shrub with stiff limbs and many thorns, can reach 15 feet tall. Looks like: cotoneaster - Japanese holly Additional Range Information: Pyracantha coccinea is planted in the USDA hardiness zones shown above and may seed into the landscape. See states reporting scarlet firethorn. External Links: USDA Plants Database