Formosan firethorn

Pyracantha koidzumii (Hayata) Rehder

Family: RosaceaeZones: 8a-10b per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

The sources we use do not describe a poison hazard to people. Physical hazard: sharp thorns (NC State).

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA index has no firethorn or pyracantha page. Do not treat as pet-safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Pyracantha koidzumii, not on the common name.. NC State says it is often confused with scarlet firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea), which has leaves broadest at the middle rather than at the tip. Check the botanical name.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 8a-10b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Light: Full sun per NC State.
Water needs: low low is a plain-language reading of NC State: resistant to dry soil; good drainage only. Always finger-test two inches down.
Mature size: NC State: 8-18 ft tall and 8-12 ft wide; rapid growth

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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