Family: Rosaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Pyracantha angustifolia (narrowleaf firethorn, orange firethorn) is a dense, thorny evergreen shrub native to Arunachal Pradesh through southern China. It is valued as an ornamental plant because of its bright orange berries, glossy foliage, and ability to form hedges or security barriers. The plant produces clusters of small white flowers followed by abundant colorful fruit that attracts birds. Firethorn species are commonly planted in landscapes for screening, erosion control, and wildlife habitat, and they are often used in temperate and subtropical gardens due to their hardiness and decorative appearance.

Risks & Threats
In Hawai‘i, Pyracantha angustifolia is naturalized on Kaua‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island. This species possesses traits that are cause for concern, including prolific fruit production, bird-dispersed seeds, dense growth habits, and sharp thorns that can restrict access and outcompete desirable vegetation. It has the potential to form thick, persistent thickets in natural areas, pastures, and disturbed habitats, where it may displace native plants and alter ecosystem structure. Because it is already naturalized in parts of the state and could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems, planting and further spread should be discouraged, especially near forests, gulches, and unmanaged lands. When possible, choose a low-risk or native alternative for landscaping. In areas where this species is already widespread, landowners and gardeners are encouraged to manage existing plants carefully and prevent its use in places where it is not yet widely established to help minimize further negative impacts.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Can grow in higher elevations with subtropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Hawaii, Maui, Kaua'i, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina and elsewhere
  
• Environmental weed in Australia, South Africa and New Zealand
  
• Other Pyracantha species are invasive
  
• Thorny
  
• Possibly toxic
  
• Host of bacterial fireblight
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Forms dense stands that exclude other vegetation
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by suckering
  
• Reaches maturity in 2-3 years
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, water, dumped garden waste and intentionally by people
  
• Prolific seed production (densities unknown)
  
• Able to resprout after cutting and fire

Low Risk Traits:

• Invasiveness may be restricted to higher elevation of islands with tropical/subtropical climates
  
• Ornamental
  
• Herbicide may provide effective control