Landscape Plants - Pyracantha or Firethorn

Pyracantha belongs to the Rose family and like other plants in this family it has hydrogen cyanide present in its seeds and fruit. Because of the presence of Hydrogen Cyanide you would not want to eat these fruits raw in excess. While Hydrogen Cyanide is a respiratory and digestive stimulate in small quantities it can be quite toxic if too much is consumed. Cooking them on the other hand renders the toxin harmless. Firethorn makes excellent sauces and preserves when cooked with sugar or honey.