Firethorns

Family: Rosaceae
Scientific name: Pyracantha species
Description: Plant Form: Evergreen shrub or small tree. Size: Up to 6 m tall. Stem: Spreading, twiggy, covered in rigid spines. Young stems often hairy, becoming hairless and greyish through powdery coating. Leaves: Oblong to lance shaped, varying in width. Sometimes curved upwards. Flowers: Small white blossom-like flowers with 5 rounded petals. In large clusters. Fruit and Seeds: Small, round, fleshy, and flattened at each end. In large clusters. Colour depends on species but generally very bright. Habitat: Woodlands, riparian areas, grasslands, pine plantations, forests, pastures. Distinguishing Features: Combination of large clusters of bright fruit and twiggy, spiny habit generally distinguishes from other lookalike shrubs. Weed Status: Priority Weed Weed Type: Environmental, Agricultural, Invasive Garden Escapee Lifeform: Shrubby, Woody/tree

Example images for this weed