Cotoneaster, Peking Cotoneaster, or similar Cotoneaster species

Species

Cotoneaster lucidus (or Cotoneaster dielsianus / Cotoneaster horizontalis group)

Leaf Type

Simple, Deciduous to Semi-evergreen

Family

Rosaceae (Rose family)

Shape

Ovate to elliptic or obovate

Size

1.5 to 3 inches long, about 0.8 to 1.5 inches wide

Margin

Entire (smooth, untoothed edge)

Arrangement

Alternate along the stems

Rarity

Common (frequently used in garden landscaping and urban plantings)

Color & Pattern

Medium to deep shiny bright green above, slightly paler underneath; turning reddish or bronze in autumn

Venation Pattern

Pinnate, with prominent sunken primary veins giving a slightly rugose or textured appearance

Texture & Surface

Slightly leathery (coriaceous), glossy to textured upper surface, smooth to lightly pubescent underneath

Description

A dense, multi-stemmed deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub reaching 6 to 10 feet in height. Features dark green, glossy leaves with sunken veins and alternate arrangement. Produces small reddish-pink to white flowers in late spring followed by small round to pom-like berry-like pome fruits that ripen to red or dark purple-black.

Key Features

Alternate leaf arrangement; entire smooth margins; distinct prominent pinnate veins impressed into the leaf surface; small clustered reddish fruits (pomelike drupels); woody multi-stemmed growth habit.

Habitat

Thrives in full sun to partial shade, adaptable to various soil types including rocky and clay soils; widely used in hedges and ornamental landscapes

Geographic Range

Native to temperate regions of Asia (China, Siberia), widely cultivated and naturalized across Europe and North America

Condition Notes

Healthy specimen showing vibrant bright green foliage with emerging reddish pomes (fruits). Minor leaf mechanical wear visible, overall health is Excellent.

Interesting Facts

The name Cotoneaster derives from the Latin 'cotoneum' (quince) and the suffix '-aster' (resembling), referring to the fruit's resemblance to small quinces. Highly valued for dense hedge formation and bird-attracting berries in winter.

Medicinal & Uses

Widely planted as an ornamental shrub, hedge, or ground cover for erosion control. Leaves and fruits are not generally used medicinally or for food.

Ecological Role

Provides cover and nesting sites for small birds. The persistent berries are an autumn and winter food source for songbirds and small mammals, though seeds pass through intact.

Similar Species

Viburnum species (have opposite leaves, whereas Cotoneaster has alternate leaves), Cornus / Dogwood species (opposite leaves with arcuate venation), and Malus / Apple species (serrated leaf margins).

Foraging Tips

Observe leaf arrangement carefully: Cotoneaster features strictly alternate leaves with smooth (entire) margins and dark green upper surfaces. Companion foliage in landscapes includes ornamental grasses and boxwoods.

Toxicity Warning

Mildly to Moderately Toxic. The berries and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides which can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and lethargy if ingested in large quantities by pets or humans.

Identified on 7/27/2026