A thorny shrub with bright orange-red berries, commonly grown as an ornamental plant and valued for its brilliant fall coloring.
From 'fire' referring to the bright red-orange berries, and 'thorn' (Old English 'þorn'), the genus name is Pyracantha, from Greek words meaning 'fire' and 'thorn.'
Firethorns are beloved by gardeners because they're tough survivors and produce stunning berries that birds love—but the berries are mildly toxic to humans, so nature equipped them with thorns as an extra warning!
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