Firethorn is a great thorny evergreen ornamental shrub or small tree that is loaded with red berries in the fall that are relished by birds and other wildlife. The berries contain cyanogenic glucosides, as do the seeds of apples and many stone fruits, and need to be crushed and thoroughly washed with running water to remove before using for human food. The high vitamin C berries can be made into jelly, but their most outstanding use is as winter food for birds. Very tough plants can grow in challenged locations, and are very useful for making a thorny barrier or hedge where human traffic is not wanted. The showy flowers are relished by the bees and make a great honey. The fast growing foliage can be coppiced back and feed as a nutritious and relished feed for goats and other livestock. Hardy zones 6-9.