Species library · Plants & herbs

Foraging Scarlet Firethorn

Pyracantha coccinea

Typically in season from July to January in the northern hemisphere. Found in Scrub & hedgerows, Woodland edges, Disturbed ground. Has toxic lookalikes, so check carefully.

Scarlet Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea)

Photo: noebse · CC BY-SA 2.5

When Scarlet Firethorn is in season

Typical window in the northern hemisphere, peak July to January. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset, and your own timing depends on local weather, so check your town.

→ Everything in season to forage in September

Where it grows

Scarlet Firethorn is usually found in Scrub & hedgerows, Woodland edges, Disturbed ground.

⚠ Look-alikes & safety

Toxic look-alikes: European holly, Rock cotoneaster, Common barberry. Only forage with a confident ID.

Take Scarlet Firethorn into the field

Open Scarlet Firethorn in the Forage app for its full field guide entry with more photos, key features and toxic lookalikes to check against. Add it to your watchlist and the app pings you the moment it comes into season at your exact spot, worked out from live weather, elevation and billions of occurrence records.

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Scarlet Firethorn: common questions

When is Scarlet Firethorn in season?

Scarlet Firethorn is generally in season from July to January in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather. Check the Season Finder for your own location.

Where does Scarlet Firethorn grow?

Scarlet Firethorn is usually found in Scrub & hedgerows, Woodland edges, Disturbed ground.

Is Scarlet Firethorn safe to forage?

Toxic look-alikes: European holly, Rock cotoneaster, Common barberry. Only forage with a confident ID. Never eat any wild plant, berry, nut or mushroom unless you are completely certain of the identification. Check every find against a reliable field guide, and when in doubt, don't.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits