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Cotoneaster integrifolius

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

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:
Tags:
#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#low growing#shrub#semi-evergreen#winter interest#erosion control#year-round interest#showy fruits#groundcover#pomes#winter garden#partial shade tolerant#wet soils intolerant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#low growing#shrub#semi-evergreen#winter interest#erosion control#year-round interest#showy fruits#groundcover#pomes#winter garden#partial shade tolerant#wet soils intolerant
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Light Brown
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Medium
    Poison Symptoms:
    Ingestion causes gastroenteritis.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Unknown
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Fruits