Blackthorn?

[bruce.c909]

It certainly looks like it, but this specimen is in full leaf on January 1st...

 

Is it the tree that's confused, or is it me?

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

[maybelateron]

Pyracantha?

[Conor Wright]

I think its Pyracantha.

It'll do the same job as blackthorn in that it could pierce armour.

Usually planted between neighbours who dislike each other.

Has nice berries in season, usually either orange or yellow. Holds most of its leaves through winter.

If you approach it, It'll stab you faster than a London youth on a stolen bike.

[Stubby]

25 minutes ago, maybelateron said:

Pyracantha?

All day long .

[maybelateron]

25 minutes ago, Conor Wright said:

It'll do the same job as blackthorn in that it could pierce armour.

Usually planted between neighbours who dislike each other.

Has nice berries in season, usually either orange or yellow. Holds most of its leaves through winter.

If you approach it, It'll stab you faster than a London youth on a stolen bike.

I once had to dismantle a Berberis on steroids (the Berberis, not me). This was as vicious as Pyracantha. It managed to get my arms through a chainsaw protective jacket several times.

[bruce.c909]

Thanks all. Really helpful - I'll approach with suitable caution!

[Will C]

Suitable caution is a tractor and flail! Bloody miserable things!

[maybelateron]

16 hours ago, Will C said:

Suitable caution is a tractor and flail! Bloody miserable things!

Better still decline the job😀

[manco]

"pyracantha"

you all with your posh fancy scientific names for stuff

we call it by its common name: vicious vile bastardthorny little bugger

[Conor Wright]

4 hours ago, manco said:

"pyracantha"

you all with your posh fancy scientific names for stuff

we call it by its common name: vicious vile bastardthorny little bugger

It's common name is firethorn, around here anyway. Some people have a reaction to it, especially people with rheumatoid arthritis. Causes swelling and a "hot" pain apparently. Not sure what it does as they're not considered toxic. 

I've sometimes wondered if that's why it's called firethorn or is it because of the vivid berry colour.

All I've ever wondered when cutting it is "why did I agree to this?"