How to identify Rockspray cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis)

How to identify Rockspray cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis)

Rockspray cotoneaster, also known as Fishbone Cotoneaster, Wall cotoneaster, Wallspray

Rockspray cotoneaster is distinguished by its dense, low-growing form, typically reaching heights of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) and widths of 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters). Its branching habit is noticeably horizontal, creating a layered appearance. The foliage may persist through winter in milder climates, transitioning from semi-evergreen to evergreen. Ideal growth occurs in well-drained, loose, moist, loamy soils, with the plant thriving in both full sun and partial shade. Once established, rockspray cotoneaster exhibits drought resilience but prefers cooler temperatures and may struggle in areas with intense summer heat.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Rockspray cotoneaster

1/4 inch (6 mm) bright red berries in late summer.

Distinctive fishbone pattern on red-brown stems.

Glossy, dark green leaves with red-purple fall color.

Low-growing form with horizontal branching habit.

Soft pink, 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) five-petaled flowers.

Detailed Traits of Rockspray cotoneaster

Leaf Features

The leaves of rockspray cotoneaster are round to elliptic, measuring about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) in length. They are glossy and dark green, providing a vibrant appearance. The leaves on this deciduous plant turn an appealing reddish-purple in the fall. The smooth texture and shiny surface make these leaves particularly distinctive. Their vein pattern is subtle but visible, aligning symmetrically along the leaf's elliptical shape.

Leaf Shape

Circular

Leaf Base

Cuneate

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Acuminate

Leaf Texture

Papyraceous

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Flower Features

The flowers of rockspray cotoneaster are distinctive with their 1/2 inch (1.25 cm), five-petaled structure. They exhibit a soft pink hue and typically emerge in late spring. These blossoms can be seen either singly or in pairs, closely attached to the branch. This arrangement, along with their petite size and pink coloration, makes the flowers identifiable and attractive in their natural setting.

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Stem Features

The stems of rockspray cotoneaster exhibit a distinctive fishbone pattern, with stiff, flattened branchlets. Initially, these stems are covered with fine hairs but eventually become hairless as they age. They range in color from greenish to red-brown, giving them a unique appearance. The stems are well-known for their rigid branching structure, which is a key identification feature of this plant.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of rockspray cotoneaster is a conspicuous feature, being small, oval-shaped berries that measure approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) in width. These fruits manifest a striking bright red hue when they ripen in late summer. The glossy texture of the berries adds to their visual appeal. While primarily ornamental, these fruits also serve as a valuable food source for birds. Their color and size are notable characteristics for identification, helping to distinguish rockspray cotoneaster from other species.

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Rockspray cotoneaster and Their Similar Plants

Milkflower cotoneaster vs. Rockspray cotoneaster: What's The Difference?

Milkflower cotoneaster (Cotoneaster coriaceus) is a small tree or garden shrub that will grow from 4 to 5 m tall. Blooms in late spring to early summer with flowers that range from all white to shades or pink and red. Small round fruit turns from pink to red to black when ripe and can remain on the tree all year. Flowers attract butterflies and bees while the fruit provides food for birds and other small animals. Considered invasive in some regions.

Bearberry cotoneaster vs. Rockspray cotoneaster: What's The Difference?

Bearberry cotoneaster is a creeping evergreen shrub. Its leathery, glossy green leaves turn a purple hue in the fall. It produces pinky-white flowers which are fragrant and give way to red berries in the fall. The berries should be considered toxic.

Willow-leaved cotoneaster vs. Rockspray cotoneaster: What's The Difference?

Willow-leaved cotoneaster is a medium-sized shrub with somewhat evergreen foliage. Although it has sparse stems and roots, it grows large clusters of white flowers followed by clumps of red berries. Willow-leaved cotoneaster is considered toxic.

Spreading cotoneaster vs. Rockspray cotoneaster: What's The Difference?

The Sparrige Zwergmispel is an upright, deciduous shrub that reaches heights of growth of up to 2 meters. The bark of the broadly arching, stalk-round, thin branches is dark reddish-brown or dark gray-brown, hairy at first and later verkahlend.

Small-leaved cotoneaster vs. Rockspray cotoneaster: What's The Difference?

Small-leaved cotoneaster is a low-growing evergreen shrub. It features five-petaled white flowers and horizontally spreading branches with tiny, lustrous, deep green leaves, where its common name is derived from. It has spherical crimson fruits that can only be consumed when cooked. Its overall appearance makes it an excellent plant for landscapes.

Cranberry cotoneaster vs. Rockspray cotoneaster: What's The Difference?

This dense, hardy shrub grows in a spreading manner. Cranberry cotoneaster's bright red berries persist through the winter months, brightening cold and gray landscapes. In the spring, look for its small, pale pink flowers. It does well with salt spray, making it a common choice in coastal gardens.

Creeping cotoneaster vs. Rockspray cotoneaster: What's The Difference?

Their attractive red berries and white flowers make the creeping cotoneaster stand out in many gardens. Homeowners drape this plant over the edges of walls and it can also be grown as a ground cover. Songbirds love the berries, while bees are generally attracted to the flowers’ nectar.

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Key Facts About Rockspray cotoneaster

Attributes of Rockspray cotoneaster

Lifespan

Perennial

Leaf Color

Green

Red

Orange

Flower Size

5 mm to 7 mm

Flower Color

Pink

White

Fruit Color

Red

Stem Color

Green

Red

Brown

Leaf type

Deciduous

The Toxicity of Rockspray cotoneaster

Slightly Toxic to Humans

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Scientific Classification of Rockspray cotoneaster

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Rose

Genus

Cotoneaster

Species

Rockspray cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis)

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Distribution Map of Rockspray cotoneaster

Rockspray cotoneaster grows natively as shurb in areas of Central and South China. Its introduction as a garden plant has been widespread, covering most of Europe, New Zealand, and North and South American areas. It has been named an environmental weed in western Europe, North America, and New Zealand, as it stifles the growth of specific native plants.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Rockspray cotoneaster How to Grow and Care for Rockspray cotoneaster