pyracantha

noun pyr·acan·tha \ ˌpī-rə-ˈkan(t)-thə \

|Updated on: 9 May 2018

Definition of pyracantha

: any of a small genus (Pyracantha) of ornamental Eurasian thorny evergreen or semievergreen shrubs of the rose family with alternate leaves, corymbs of white flowers, and small red or orange pomes — called also firethorn

Recent Examples of pyracantha from the Web

This bacterial disease afflicts only apple, pear, and hawthorn trees, and pyracantha and cotoneaster shrubs.

— margaret lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Cool, rainy spring prompts alert for fire blight on Valley trees, plants | Idaho Statesman," 26 Apr. 2018
Watch fruit trees and ornamentals such as pyracantha, for signs of fireblight.

— margaret lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Thinking of becoming a gardener? Here’s a primer for southern Idaho," 31 Jan. 2018
Lace bugs attack pyracanthas, Boston ivy, sycamores, bur oaks, chinquapin oaks, azaleas, American elms and boxwoods, among others, turning their leaves the same pale tan color.

— neil sperry, star-telegram, "Burning questions about pests, weeds and more, as summer yields to fall," 5 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pyracantha.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.