Foreword 
The firethorns, Pyracantha, have long been 
cultivated for their attractive flowers and 
fruits, and some have been grown for their 
evergreen foliage. This small genus of 10 
species has thus far given rise to nearly 350 
named cultivated forms, which can be found 
in most temperate regions of the world. Be- 
cause of the vastness of this array, it has been 
difficult for botanists, horticulturists, and 
plant enthusiasts to keep track of the identity 
of the various forms. The work that follows will 
be of great help to those interested in 
firethorns and will serve as a basic reference 
for many years. 
The U.S. National Arboretum has the primary 
responsibility among all federally funded 
institutions to conduct research relating to 
ornamental woody plants. These long-term 
efforts have produced checklists of cultivated 
forms of other genera, as well as numerous 
new ornamental and floricultural plants, for 
the American public. We are pleased to make 
available A Checklist of Pyracantha Cultivars. 
Tuomas S. Exias 
Director, U.S. National Arboretum 
Washington, DC 
