Scarlet Firethorn        pi-ra-KANTH-a kok-SIN-ee-a

• Broadleaf evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub, 6-18 ft (1.8-5.5 m), many cultivars, variable habit.  Leaves alternate, simple, narrow-elliptic or lanceolate, 2.5-6.5 cm long, crenulate-serrulate, apex acute or rarely obtuse (often a sturdy point), lustrous dark green above.  Flowers perfect, white, 8 mm across, in 5-7.5 cm long clusters (corymbs) in spring or early summer.  Fruit berry-like (pome), 6 mm diam, orange-red, persisting into winter.
• Sun for best fruiting, but does well in partial shade.  Prefers soil that is dry in summer and pH 5.5 to 7.5.  Birds are attracted to the fruit.
• Hardy to USDA Zone (5)6     Native from Italy to the Caucasus.
• Oregon State Univ. campus: north side of Benton, poor fruiting; west side of McNary, espalied.