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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Cotoneaster microphyllus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 2 m (6ft) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, midges.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw[272]. It is sweet when fully ripe[158]. A watery flavour[272]. It is possibly edible[177]. The fruit is about 7mm in diameter[200].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Astringent

The stolons are said to be astringent[240].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Basketry Dye Incense Soil stabilization Wood

A rose-tan dye is obtained from the fruit. The leaves are used for incense[272]. The plant has an extensive root system and a creeping habit above ground. It makes a good soil binder[272]. The sub-species C. microphyllus cochleatus can be used as a ground cover plant in a sunny position[188, 208]. It forms a dense carpet of growth[208]. The branches are used for making baskets[146, 158, 272]. Wood - hard, close and even grained[146, 158]. Used for fuel[272].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife Food Forest Ground cover Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant, it prefers a good soil but also does well in poor soils[1, 11, 200]. It thrives in lime and is also happy in peaty soils[1]. It succeeds in any soil that is not marshy or waterlogged[11, 200]. Succeeds in dry soils[188]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in full sun or semi-shade but does not fruit so freely in a shady position[11, 200]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[200]. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -25°c[184, 200]. A very ornamental plant[1], there are some named forms[202]. Most forms are quite slow-growing[200, 202]. It hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200] and often self-sows in British gardens[219]. A low-growing plant, the branches often root when they come into contact with the soil[219]. The flowers, when inhaled near to, have an unpleasant smell like decaying fish[245]. They are very attractive to bees whilst the fruit is a good winter food source for many species of birds[200]. Plants are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200]. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is branching: a heart root, dividing from the crown into several primary roots going down and out [2-1].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed. Members of this genus hybridize freely so, if you require seed that breeds true, it is important to obtain it from a known wild source or from a controlled fertilization of garden plants. The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame, when it will usually germinate in the spring[11, 200]. Stored seed germinates faster if given 3 months warm stratification at 15°c and then 3 months cold stratification at 4°c[164]. The seed usually germinates within 1 - 18 months at 15°c but it can take 2 years[164]. Pot the seedlings up as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out into nursery beds or into their permanent positions when they are more than 10cm tall. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame[11, 200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Sichuan Sheng, Xizang Zizhiqu, Yunnan Sheng) TROPICAL ASIA: Bhutan, India (Himalayan region), Nepal, Myanmar

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Cotoneaster acuminatus	Acuminate cotoneaster	Shrub	4.0	4-8		LMH	SN	DM	0	0	3
Cotoneaster bacillaris		Shrub	5.0	5-9	F	LMH	SN	DM	0	1	3
Cotoneaster conspicuus	Tibetan Cotoneaster, Cotoneaster	Shrub	3.0	6-8	M	LMH	SN	DM	0	0	3
Cotoneaster coriaceus		Shrub	4.0	5-9	F	LMH	SN	DM	0	0	3
Cotoneaster divaricatus	Spreading Cotoneaster	Shrub	2.0	4-8	F	LMH	SN	DM	0	0	3
Cotoneaster franchetii	Orange cotoneaster	Shrub	3.0	5-9		LMH	FSN	DM	1	0	3
Cotoneaster frigidus		Shrub	10.0	6-9	F	LMH	FSN	DM	0	1	3
Cotoneaster glaucophyllus		Shrub	3.0	6-9	M	LMH	SN	DM	0	0	3
Cotoneaster racemiflorus	Black-Wood, Cotoneaster	Shrub	2.4	3-7	M	LMH	SN	DM	2	1	2
Cotoneaster serotinus		Shrub	6.0	6-9	M	LMH	SN	DM	0	0	3
Cotoneaster simonsii	Simons' cotoneaster	Shrub	3.0	4-8	F	LMH	SN	DM	0	0	2
Cotoneaster wardii		Shrub	4.0	5-9		LMH	SN	DM	0	0	3
Cotoneaster x watereri		Shrub	5.0	5-9	M	LMH	SN	DM	0	0	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Cotoneaster microphyllus - Wall. ex Lindl.