Milkflower cotoneaster - Cotoneaster coriaceus (Care, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

Milkflower cotoneaster

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.

Scientific classification

Species

Milkflower cotoneaster (Cotoneaster coriaceus)

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

1 m to 4 m

Plant Height

4 m

Spread

Green, White, Gray

Leaf Color

4 cm to 7 cm

Flower Size

Evergreen

Leaf type

0 - 25 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Images of Milkflower cotoneaster

Distribution of Milkflower cotoneaster

Distribution Map

Milkflower cotoneaster is a plant species originally endemic to major regions in Asia. Over time, it has been introduced and naturalized across parts of Europe, the South American region, and some western regions of Oceania. Today, milkflower cotoneaster also thrives in cultivation outside its native range, benefiting from human-assisted propagation.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Scrub, hedgerows and rocky places in calcareous soils, Grassy slopes along riversides or thickets.

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Evergreen foliage and the bright red berries that appear in late summer and last through the winter are the main decorative attributes of milkflower cotoneaster. Besides being attractive, the berries also feed birds and mammals when other food is scarce. It is excellent to use as a hedge, screen, on slopes, and as a specimen shrub with winter interest.

Interesting Facts

Though attractive, the flowers of the milkflower cotoneaster have an unpleasant smell. Many people feel they smell like rotting fish. However, bees are quite attracted to the blooms, as are the flies and midges that the milkflower cotoneaster relies on for pollination.

Name Story

Milkflower cotoneaster: The genus name, cotoneaster, means "resembling quince" (cotoneum is the historical Latin name for the quince tree). The common name Milkflower refers to the milky white color that covers the shrubs when in bloom.

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Toxicity

Milkflower cotoneaster contains cyanogenic glycosides, posing mild toxicity risk to humans, cats, and dogs through ingestion. Symptoms in humans can include difficulty breathing, dizziness, and nausea, while cats and dogs may experience distress, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is crucial to seek immediate medical or veterinary care if poisoning is suspected to prevent severe complications. All parts of the plant are toxic. handler. Milkflower cotoneasteranzai.

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Quickly Identify Milkflower cotoneaster

Small, white flowers in dense clusters up to 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) wide with star-like petals.

Vivid red, 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) diameter fruits in eye-catching clusters persisting into winter.

Oval leaves up to 2 inches (5 cm) long with dark green upper side and fuzzy white underside.

Robust reddish-brown stems, 0.2-0.5 inches (0.5-1.3 cm) thick, with consistent branching pattern.

Erect, spreading growth, evergreen foliage, and tolerance to dry conditions, reaching 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters).

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Care Guide for Milkflower cotoneaster

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 25 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Milkflower cotoneaster thrives in dry regions, demonstrating drought tolerance and efficient water storage. It requires watering every 2-3 weeks, making it well-suited for outdoor landscapes, especially in xeriscaping or rock gardens where water conservation is essential.

Fertilize: To promote milkflower cotoneaster's growth, apply balanced nutrition fertilizers in spring and high nitrogen ones before flowering, fertilizing biannually. Water soil beforehand to avoid root burn. Adjust fertilizer types seasonally for optimal results, ensuring robust growth and vibrant blooms.

Pruning: Milkflower cotoneaster features glossy leaves and white flower clusters. Prune in early to late winter to remove dead branches and shape the plant for airflow, promoting growth and flowering. Use sanitized tools and prune conservatively to prevent stress and disease. Refer to horticultural guidance for best practices.

Propagation: To reproduce milkflower cotoneaster, sow healthy, ripe berries for seeds. Extract seeds by macerating and soaking in water. Sow in a well-draining mix and keep moist while protecting from extreme sunlight for germination. Transplant hardy seedlings to a spacious, permanent location for optimal growth.

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