At least that it what it might be, and also known as scarlet firethorn or red firethorn. I saw quite a mass of these attractive small flowers near our GP surgery on an early morning visit yesterday morning to see my doctor (nothing serious, an outburst of eczema).
If it is Pyracantha coccinea, it is the European species of firethorn that has been cultivated in gardens since the late 16th century. The tree has small white flowers. It produces small, bright red berries. Its leaves are slightly toothed and grow opposite to one another. The fruit is bitter and astringent, making it inedible when raw, but it can be cooked to make jellies, jams, sauces and marmalade. It ranges from southern Europe to western Asia. It has been introduced to North America and cultivated there as an ornamental plant since the 18th century.
In England, since the late 18th century, it has been used to cover unsightly walls. In this case it was covering an ugly fence around a primary school.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
It is lovely to see so many summer flowers making their appearance now. I've never explored taking flower photos as much in the past as I have this year. I hope that you aren't getting bored with them!
Ian
June 8th, 2023
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Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
It is lovely to see so many summer flowers making their appearance now. I've never explored taking flower photos as much in the past as I have this year. I hope that you aren't getting bored with them!
Ian