cotoneaster

Cotoneaster is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rosaceae, consisting of shrubs and small trees. Native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North Africa, cotoneasters include hundreds of species and cultivars. They are valued in ornamental horticulture for dense, spreading habit and glossy leaves. Leaves are simple, alternately arranged, oval to lanceolate, with smooth margins. Flowers are small, five-petaled, white to pink, produced in flat-topped clusters in late spring to early summer. Fruits are pomes, small and berry-like, ripening in autumn to red, orange, or black, and are a prominent feature; birds frequently feed on them.

In cultivation, cotoneasters are popular as hedges, groundcovers, or specimen shrubs. They tolerate a range of soils—from poor to moderately fertile—and prefer full sun. Many species are drought-tolerant once established but dislike waterlogging. Pruning can help maintain shape and size. Propagation is by seed, semi-ripe cuttings, or layering. Some forms are evergreen in mild climates and deciduous in colder regions.

Pests and diseases: cotoneasters can be affected by fire blight, scale insects, and aphids; some cultivars are susceptible to leaf spot or powdery mildew. The fruits are generally not eaten by humans, though birds rely on them; large consumption may cause stomach upset. In some regions, certain cotoneaster species have become invasive, forming dense thickets and displacing native vegetation; management may include removal of fruiting stems and careful planting.