Cotoneaster microphyllus var. integrifolius Cotoneaster integrifolius
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Cotoneaster conspicuus
- Cotoneaster microphyllus
- Phonetic Spelling
- koh-toh-nee-ASS-ter in-teg-ree-FOH-lee-uh
- This plant has medium severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Wintergreen cotoneaster is a semi-evergreen to evergreen shrub that grows 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. It is drought-tolerant once established and tolerates a wide range of soils but prefers fertile well-drained moist soil in full sun. It will grow in part shade, but fruiting is better with more sun. In its natural habitat, it can be found on cliffs and rocky slopes, and quite often near the sea.
The small white flowers give way to dark red/purple pomes in the fall, that persist through the winter into early spring. Birds are not attracted to the fruit. The flowers may be small, but they make quite an appearance, sometimes making it difficult to see the leaves.
Use as a groundcover in problem areas and to provide winter interest.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Some consider it to be invasive, obliterating other native plants.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Cotoneaster
- Species:
- integrifolius
- Family:
- Rosaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Himalaya to China
- Wildlife Value:
- Cover for birds. Bees are attracted to the flowers.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Easy to Grow
- Wildlife Cover/Habitat
- Edibility:
- The fruits are poisonous when ingested.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Semi-evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Prostrate
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Fine
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- NC Region:
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Winter
- Fruit Type:
- Pome
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- The fruits are dark red-purple pome that persists into winter. They are larger than other Cotoneasters. The surface is a matte texture.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Small, spreading white flowers appear in the spring.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Semi-evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Black
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Oblanceolate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- 1/2 inch oval, black-green leaves have a few bristle like hairs on the upper side and long gray hairs on the undersides. It has a very pronounced mid-rib, a lighter green than the upper surface. The margins roll backwards. The upper surface is shiny. They are somewhat pointed and have a slight fold along the middle.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Light Brown
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Form:
- Straight
- Stem Surface:
- Hairy (pubescent)
- Stem Description:
- The stems/branches form in an alternate pattern. They are ridged and covered with hairs that are close together.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Patio
- Riparian
- Rock Wall
- Slope/Bank
- Landscape Theme:
- Pollinator Garden
- Rock Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Barrier
- Border
- Foundation Planting
- Hedge
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Problems:
- Poisonous to Humans
