Weed Potential 
As a weed Orange Firethorn is invasive and infests woodlands or forests and along water courses primarily around urban centres. It forms dense habit that reduces light inhibiting the development of native tree or shrub seedlings and prevents ground flora from growing. 

This hardy fast growing shrub can tolerate frost or hot weather and can live for up to 50-years producing abundant fruit during autumn. A higher germination rate is achieved in regions with prolonged cold periods and the seeds can germinate in a shaded or sunny position. 

The seeds are dispersed by birds or water and in soil or garden waste. The plant produces large spines that make it difficult to move through infestations and the plant suckers freely from the base if cut down.

Control methods include physically digging out seedlings and small plants ensuring that the roots are removed. Fruiting branches should be bagged and destroyed. 

Plants can be drilled or cut and painted / injected with a non-selective herbicide during spring. Young plants or seedlings may be sprayed with a non-selective herbicide during spring while the plant is actively growing but follow up spraying will be required.