Pyracantha are fast-growing, evergreen shrubs that range in size from large, upright, arching, mounding masses to lower-growing, creeping, suckering groundcovers. All have clusters of fragrant white, spring flowers that mass in clusters along the ends of the previous years branches. Blossoms are followed by berries that ripen in the fall, and depending on the variety, are in shades of red to orange, to yellow. Leaves are small, dark green, glossy, and evergreen. The branches are populated with stiff, sharp thorns. It provides year-long interest to the shrub border, but I'd plant it where you don't have to get too close. The branches with either the flowers or berries, however, are striking in vases.
Grow in well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. Is indifferent to soil types, growing in sandy to clay soils and everything in between. Is also tolerant of both acidic and alkaline soils. Drought tolerant once established. It may be pruned selectively or to renovate, also well suited to espallier. It will sucker and spread, so place accordingly. Thorns make maintenance something to be dreaded, but on the flip side, it is a very effective barrier. Fire resistant.