14 Jan Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster species
At least nine species of Cotoneaster
have naturalised in Australia. There are
numerous native alternatives available
which will attract birds to the garden
Family: Malaceae (often included in Rosaceae)
Origin: China, Asia
Habit: Evergreen shrub or small tree to 4 m high usually with
arching branches.
Leaves: Varying with species but, usually elliptic to ovate 1.5–4 cm
wide, green above paler or silvery below. Young growth
often woolly.
Flowers: White clusters. Each flower about 8 mm wide, 5-petalled.
Flower stalk densely hairy. Spring and summer.
Fruit: Red fleshy fruit (pome) 6–10 mm long, almost globe-shaped.
Containing 2 yellowish, flattened seeds.
Roots: Substantial woody tap and latteral root system.
Dispersal: Seed spread by water, animals (mainly birds), humans,
contaminated soil (earthmoving equipment, car tyres etc) and
garden refuse dumping. The main problem is that people plant
Cotoneaster to attract birds to the garden.
Control: Hand pull/dig juvenile plants. Cut and Paint or Scrape and Paint
mature plants.
