Side by side
Cotoneaster or firethorn? How to tell them apart
Cotoneaster · Pyracantha
How to tell them apart – cotoneaster: no thorns; firethorn: thorns and toothed leaves.
.jpg){kind=link}
How do you recognise them?
- Cotoneaster
- Shrub with small leaves and red berries, often creeping or arching.
- Compared with firethorn: no thorns.
- Firethorn
- Evergreen, thorny shrub with masses of orange, red or yellow berries in autumn.
- Compared with cotoneaster: thorns and toothed leaves.
| Cotoneaster | Firethorn | |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves | Alternate, small (0.5–5 cm) and untoothed; many species are evergreen. | Alternate, small (2–5 cm), glossy and finely toothed. |
| Flowering | Small white or pink flowers in May–June; a bee magnet (May–June). | Clusters of white flowers in May–June (May–June). |
| Fruit | Red berries, lasting into winter. | Orange, red or yellow berries in dense clusters, lasting well into winter. |
| Bark | Wall cotoneaster has branches in a herringbone pattern. | Branches with sharp thorns. |
| Shape and height | Shrub, 0.3–4 m | Shrub, 2–4 m |
| Site | Sun or partial shade, any garden soil, dry to wet | Sun or partial shade, any garden soil, normal |
| Native to Belgium | No, naturalised | No, planted |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and birds | Yes, for bees and birds |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Not known to be poisonous | Not known to be poisonous |
| Pruning months | March–April and August–September | May–August |
What does it mean for your garden?
- Choose what suits your soil, your light and the space you have: see the growing conditions in the table.
Read on
- Plant profile: Cotoneaster
- Plant profile: Firethorn
- Cotoneaster: when and how to prune
- Firethorn: when and how to prune
- Identification key: the question that separates them
Also looks like
- Cotoneaster or spiraea
- Hawthorn or firethorn
- Flowering quince or firethorn
- Midland hawthorn or firethorn
Identify by feature
This comparison is compiled from the Bladwijzer species pages.