Pourthiaea arguta, commonly known as Narrowleaf Firethorn, is an evergreen shrub native to the scrub and open woodlands of China. It typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 10-20 feet (3-6 meters) and a width of 10-15 feet (3-4.6 meters). This plant is characterized by its narrow, glossy leaves and sharp thorns. It produces clusters of small, white flowers in late spring, which are moderately showy and attract pollinators. By autumn, the plant is adorned with bright orange-red berries, which are particularly attractive against the dark green foliage and can persist into winter.

Narrowleaf Firethorn is valued for its dense growth habit, which makes it an excellent choice for hedges and privacy screens. It is also used for erosion control on slopes due to its robust root system. The berries provide food for birds, adding to its wildlife value. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun to part shade and adapts well to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, or sandy soils, provided they have medium to fast drainage. Regular watering is needed, but the plant is drought-tolerant once established. It is susceptible to fireblight and scab, which can be managed with proper care and sanitation.CC BY-SA 4.0