Firethorn, often cultivated as a hedge plant, is one of the most beautiful ornamental trees with its colorful berries. If you would like to offer birds a richly laid table in the garden, this defensive shrub is ideal.
Why is the firethorn so popular with birds?
Thespiny branchesof the firethorn (Latin Pyracantha) and the dense growthprotect the interior of the bushes, so that birds can breed here undisturbed can raise. The red berries are also sought after by some bird species.
Why do birds only eat firethorn berries in winter?
The brightly colored berries are not very aromatic and tasteextremely sour. But that changes after the firstfrost,because then thepulpbecomes crumbly and tastes noticeablymilder.
Since our feathered friends find little food in winter, you can now see many hungry blackbirds and thrushes searching for food at the firethorn.
Why do birds like to nest in Firethorn?
Due to its strongthorns, Pyracantha is adefensive tree. In addition, the branches of the bushes are very dense. This network is difficult for predators to penetrate.
That's why small songbirds in particular often hide in the firethorn. There they build their nests and raise their young.
Tip
Firethorn berries make a delicious jam
The raw firethorn berries are inedible, but make a delicious jam. First boil the fruit with a little water into a thick puree and strain it through a sieve. Add some lemon juice and preserving sugar to the fruit pulp and let everything boil again until the gelling test is successful.
