Pyracantha shrubs, commonly known as Fire Thorn, are prickly deterrents for unwanted visitors and wandering pets. In the winter, Pyracantha is stunningly attractive as it becomes smothered in bunches of red or orange berries (depending on variety) that are a fantastic food source for birds. Often grown as intruder-proof hedging, Pyracantha will mostly keep its green leaves until the spring and if planted closely together the Pyracantha will form a dense privacy hedge that is totally impenetrable.