271 Species of Genus Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster: A World of Versatile Beauty

As a plant enthusiast, I’m always drawn to the diversity and resilience of the natural world. One genus that consistently captures my attention is Cotoneaster. This fascinating group of shrubs offers a stunning array of forms, textures, and colors, making them a favorite among gardeners and landscape designers alike.

What is Cotoneaster?

Cotoneaster (pronounced “kuh-toh-nee-ASS-ter”) is a genus belonging to the Rosaceae family, which also includes roses, apples, and pears. Native to the Palaearctic region, with a concentration of diversity in the mountains of southwestern China and the Himalayas, these plants have spread far and wide, gracing gardens across the globe.

What I find particularly appealing about Cotoneaster is its versatility. From ground-hugging creepers to upright shrubs and even small trees, the genus caters to a wide range of gardening needs and aesthetic preferences. Whether you’re looking to add texture to a rock garden, create a dense hedge, or introduce a splash of color with vibrant berries, there’s likely a Cotoneaster species that fits the bill.

A Tapestry of Species

The genus Cotoneaster boasts a rich tapestry of species, each with its unique characteristics and charm:

1. Cotoneaster acuminatus Lindl.
2. Cotoneaster acutifolius Turcz.
3. Cotoneaster adpressus Bois
4. Cotoneaster affinis Lindl.
5. Cotoneaster afghanicus G.Klotz
6. Cotoneaster aitchisonii C.K.Schneid.
7. Cotoneaster alashanensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
8. Cotoneaster alatavicus Popov
9. Cotoneaster alaunicus Golitsin
10. Cotoneaster albokermesinus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
11. Cotoneaster allochrous Pojark.
12. Cotoneaster altaicus G.Klotz ex J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
13. Cotoneaster ambiguus Rehder & E.H.Wilson
14. Cotoneaster anatolii Teimurov & Taisumov
15. Cotoneaster antoninae Juz.
16. Cotoneaster apiculatus Rehder & E.H.Wilson
17. Cotoneaster armenus Pojark.
18. Cotoneaster ascendens Flinck & B.Hylmö
19. Cotoneaster assadii Khat.
20. Cotoneaster ataensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
21. Cotoneaster atrovinaceus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
22. Cotoneaster atuntzensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
23. Cotoneaster aurantiacus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
24. Cotoneaster beimashanensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
25. Cotoneaster bis-ramianus G.Klotz
26. Cotoneaster bradyi E.C.Nelson & J.Fryer
27. Cotoneaster brickellii J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
28. Cotoneaster browiczii J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
29. Cotoneaster bullatus Bois
30. Cotoneaster bumthangensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
31. Cotoneaster burmanicus G.Klotz
32. Cotoneaster buxifolius Wall. ex Lindl.
33. Cotoneaster cambricus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
34. Cotoneaster camilli-schneideri Pojark.
35. Cotoneaster campanulatus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
36. Cotoneaster capsicinus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
37. Cotoneaster cardinalis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
38. Cotoneaster chadwellii J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
39. Cotoneaster chengkangensis T.T.Yu
40. Cotoneaster chingshuiensis Kun C.Chang & Chih C.Wang
41. Cotoneaster chuanus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
42. Cotoneaster chulingensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
43. Cotoneaster chungtiensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
44. Cotoneaster cinnabarinus Juz.
45. Cotoneaster cinovskisii J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
46. Cotoneaster coadunatus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
47. Cotoneaster cochleatus (Franch.) G.Klotz
48. Cotoneaster congestus Baker
49. Cotoneaster conspicuus Comber ex C.Marquand
50. Cotoneaster convexus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
51. Cotoneaster cooperi C.Marquand
52. Cotoneaster cordifolius G.Klotz
53. Cotoneaster coriaceus Franch.
54. Cotoneaster × crispii Exell
55. Cotoneaster cuspidatus C.Marquand ex J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
56. Cotoneaster daliensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
57. Cotoneaster dammeri C.K.Schneid.
58. Cotoneaster decandrus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
59. Cotoneaster declinatus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
60. Cotoneaster delavayanus G.Klotz
61. Cotoneaster delphinensis Chatenier
62. Cotoneaster densiflorus M.W.Li, Q.Fan & W.B.Liao
63. Cotoneaster dielsianus E.Pritz.
64. Cotoneaster divaricatus Rehder & E.H.Wilson
65. Cotoneaster drogochius J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
66. Cotoneaster emeiensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
67. Cotoneaster encavei J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
68. Cotoneaster erratus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
69. Cotoneaster esfandiarii Khat.
70. Cotoneaster fangianus T.T.Yu
71. Cotoneaster farreri G.Klotz
72. Cotoneaster fastigiatus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
73. Cotoneaster favargeri J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
74. Cotoneaster flinckii J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
75. Cotoneaster floccosus (Rehder & E.H.Wilson) Flinck & B.Hylmö
76. Cotoneaster floridus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
77. Cotoneaster foveolatus Rehder & E.H.Wilson
78. Cotoneaster franchetii Bois
79. Cotoneaster frigidus Wall. ex Lindl.
80. Cotoneaster froebelii J.Fryer
81. Cotoneaster fruticosus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
82. Cotoneaster gamblei G.Klotz
83. Cotoneaster ganghobaensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
84. Cotoneaster genitianus Hurus.
85. Cotoneaster glabratus Rehder & E.H.Wilson
86. Cotoneaster glaucophyllus Franch.
87. Cotoneaster globosus (Hurus.) G.Klotz
88. Cotoneaster goloskokovii Pojark.
89. Cotoneaster gonggashanensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
90. Cotoneaster gracilis Rehder & E.H.Wilson
91. Cotoneaster granatensis Boiss.
92. Cotoneaster hajastanicus Nersesian
93. Cotoneaster harrovianus E.H.Wilson
94. Cotoneaster hebephyllus Diels
95. Cotoneaster hedegaardii J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
96. Cotoneaster hersianus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
97. Cotoneaster hicksii J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
98. Cotoneaster hillieri J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
99. Cotoneaster hissaricus Pojark.
100. Cotoneaster hjelmqvistii Flinck & B.Hylmö
101. Cotoneaster hodjingensis G.Klotz
102. Cotoneaster horizontalis Decne.
103. Cotoneaster huahongdongensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
104. Cotoneaster hualiensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
105. Cotoneaster hylanderi B.Hylmö & J.Fryer
106. Cotoneaster hypocarpus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
107. Cotoneaster ichangensis G.Klotz
108. Cotoneaster ignavus E.L.Wolf
109. Cotoneaster ignescens J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
110. Cotoneaster ignotus G.Klotz
111. Cotoneaster induratus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
112. Cotoneaster inexspectatus G.Klotz
113. Cotoneaster insculptus Diels
114. Cotoneaster insignis Pojark.
115. Cotoneaster integerrimus Medik.
116. Cotoneaster integrifolius (Roxb.) G.Klotz
117. Cotoneaster × intermedius (Lecoq & Lamotte) H.J.Coste
118. Cotoneaster kangdingensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
119. Cotoneaster karatavicus Pojark.
120. Cotoneaster kaschkarovii Pojark.
121. Cotoneaster kingdonii J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
122. Cotoneaster kitaibelii J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
123. Cotoneaster konishii Hayata
124. Cotoneaster kotschyi (C.K.Schneid.) G.Klotz
125. Cotoneaster krasnovii Pojark.
126. Cotoneaster kuanensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
127. Cotoneaster lambertii G.Klotz
128. Cotoneaster lancasteri J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
129. Cotoneaster langei G.Klotz
130. Cotoneaster latifolius J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
131. Cotoneaster laxiflorus J.Jacq. ex Lindl.
132. Cotoneaster leveillei J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
133. Cotoneaster lindleyi Steud.
134. Cotoneaster luristanicus G.Klotz
135. Cotoneaster magnificus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
136. Cotoneaster mairei H.Lév.
137. Cotoneaster majoricensis L.Sáez & Rosselló
138. Cotoneaster marquandii G.Klotz
139. Cotoneaster marroninus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
140. Cotoneaster mazandaranicus Niaki & Attar
141. Cotoneaster megalocarpus Popov
142. Cotoneaster meiophyllus (W.W.Sm.) G.Klotz
143. Cotoneaster meyeri Pojark.
144. Cotoneaster microcarpus (Rehder & E.H.Wilson) Flinck & B.Hylmö
145. Cotoneaster microphyllus Wall. ex Lindl.
146. Cotoneaster milkedandaensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
147. Cotoneaster miniatus (Rehder & E.H.Wilson) Flinck & B.Hylmö
148. Cotoneaster mirabilis G.Klotz & Krugel
149. Cotoneaster mongolicus Pojark.
150. Cotoneaster monopyrenus (W.W.Sm.) Flinck & B.Hylmö
151. Cotoneaster morrisonensis Hayata
152. Cotoneaster morulus Pojark.
153. Cotoneaster moupinensis Franch.
154. Cotoneaster multiflorus Bunge
155. Cotoneaster nan-shan M.Vilm. ex Mottet
156. Cotoneaster naninitens J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
157. Cotoneaster nantouensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
158. Cotoneaster naoujanensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
159. Cotoneaster narynensis Tkatsch. ex J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
160. Cotoneaster natmataungensis J.Fryer, B.Hylmö & E.C.Nelson
161. Cotoneaster nebrodensis (Guss.) K.Koch
162. Cotoneaster nedoluzhkoi Tzvelev
163. Cotoneaster nefedovii Galushko
164. Cotoneaster neoantoninae A.N.Vassiljeva
165. Cotoneaster neopopovii Czerep.
166. Cotoneaster niger (Ehrh.) Fr.
167. Cotoneaster nima-yushijii Niaki & Attar
168. Cotoneaster nitens Rehder & E.H.Wilson
169. Cotoneaster nitidifolius C.Marquand
170. Cotoneaster nitidus Jacques
171. Cotoneaster nohelii J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
172. Cotoneaster nummularioides Pojark.
173. Cotoneaster nummularius Fisch. & C.A.Mey.
174. Cotoneaster obovatus Wall. ex Dunn
175. Cotoneaster obscurus Rehder & E.H.Wilson
176. Cotoneaster ogisui J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
177. Cotoneaster oliganthus Pojark.
178. Cotoneaster omissus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
179. Cotoneaster orbicularis Schltdl.
180. Cotoneaster ovatus Pojark.
181. Cotoneaster pangiensis G.Klotz
182. Cotoneaster pannosus Franch.
183. Cotoneaster paradoxus G.Klotz
184. Cotoneaster parkinsonii Panigrahi & Arv.Kumar
185. Cotoneaster × parnassicus Boiss. & Heldr.
186. Cotoneaster peduncularis Boiss.
187. Cotoneaster persicus Pojark.
188. Cotoneaster pojarkovae Zakirov
189. Cotoneaster poluninii G.Klotz
190. Cotoneaster polyanthemus E.L.Wolf
191. Cotoneaster popovii Pojark.
192. Cotoneaster potaninii Pojark.
193. Cotoneaster pseudomultiflorus Popov
194. Cotoneaster pseudoobscurus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
195. Cotoneaster purpurascens J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
196. Cotoneaster qungbixiensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
197. Cotoneaster raboutensis Flinck, J.Fryer, Garraud, B.Hylmö & J.Zeller
198. Cotoneaster racemiflorus (Desf.) Schltdl.
199. Cotoneaster radicans (Dammer ex C.K.Schneid.) G.Klotz
200. Cotoneaster rehderi Pojark.
201. Cotoneaster rhytidophyllus Rehder & E.H.Wilson
202. Cotoneaster roborowskii Pojark.
203. Cotoneaster rockii G.Klotz
204. Cotoneaster roseus Edgew.
205. Cotoneaster rosiflorus Kun C.Chang & F.Y.Lu
206. Cotoneaster rotundifolius Wall. ex Lindl.
207. Cotoneaster rubens W.W.Sm.
208. Cotoneaster salicifolius Franch.
209. Cotoneaster sandakphuensis G.Klotz
210. Cotoneaster sanguineus T.T.Yu
211. Cotoneaster saxatilis Pojark.
212. Cotoneaster schantungensis G.Klotz
213. Cotoneaster schubertii G.Klotz
214. Cotoneaster serotinus Hutch.
215. Cotoneaster shannanensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
216. Cotoneaster shansiensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
217. Cotoneaster sherriffii G.Klotz
218. Cotoneaster sichuanensis G.Klotz
219. Cotoneaster simonsii Baker
220. Cotoneaster siyuanensis S.S.Ying
221. Cotoneaster soongoricus (Regel & Herder) Popov
222. Cotoneaster soulieanus G.Klotz
223. Cotoneaster splendens Flinck & B.Hylmö
224. Cotoneaster spongbergii J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
225. Cotoneaster staintonii G.Klotz
226. Cotoneaster sternianus (Turrill) Boom
227. Cotoneaster suavis Pojark.
228. Cotoneaster subacutus Pojark.
229. Cotoneaster subadpressus T.T.Yu
230. Cotoneaster submultiflorus Popov
231. Cotoneaster svenhedinii J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
232. Cotoneaster sylvestrii Pamp.
233. Cotoneaster taiwanensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
234. Cotoneaster talgaricus Popov
235. Cotoneaster tanpaensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
236. Cotoneaster taofuensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
237. Cotoneaster tardiflorus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
238. Cotoneaster tauricus Pojark.
239. Cotoneaster taylorii T.T.Yu
240. Cotoneaster teijiashanensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
241. Cotoneaster tengyuehensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
242. Cotoneaster tenuipes Rehder & E.H.Wilson
243. Cotoneaster tetrapetalus S.S.Ying
244. Cotoneaster thimphuensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
245. Cotoneaster tjuliniae Pojark. ex Peschkova
246. Cotoneaster tomentosus (Aiton) Lindl.
247. Cotoneaster transcaucasicus Pojark.
248. Cotoneaster tripyrenus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
249. Cotoneaster tsarongensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
250. Cotoneaster turbinatus Craib
251. Cotoneaster turcomanicus Pojark.
252. Cotoneaster tytthocarpus Pojark.
253. Cotoneaster undulatus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
254. Cotoneaster uniflorus Bunge
255. Cotoneaster vandelaarii J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
256. Cotoneaster verokotschyi J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
257. Cotoneaster verruculosus Diels
258. Cotoneaster vestitus (W.W.Sm.) Flinck & B.Hylmö
259. Cotoneaster villosulus (Rehder & E.H.Wilson) Flinck & B.Hylmö
260. Cotoneaster wanbooyensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
261. Cotoneaster wardii W.W.Sm.
262. Cotoneaster washanensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
263. Cotoneaster wattii G.Klotz
264. Cotoneaster yakuticus J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
265. Cotoneaster yalungensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
266. Cotoneaster yinchangensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
267. Cotoneaster yui J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
268. Cotoneaster yulingkongensis J.Fryer & B.Hylmö
269. Cotoneaster zabelii C.K.Schneid.
270. Cotoneaster zangezuricus Nersesian
271. Cotoneaster zeravschanicus Pojark.

Why I Admire Cotoneaster

My admiration for Cotoneaster stems from several key factors:

• Ornamental Value: The aesthetic appeal of Cotoneaster is undeniable. The combination of attractive foliage, delicate flowers, and vibrant berries creates a captivating display throughout the seasons.
• Adaptability: These tough plants are known for their adaptability to various soil types and growing conditions. They can tolerate drought, heat, and even some shade, making them a reliable choice for diverse climates.
• Low Maintenance: Cotoneaster requires minimal care once established. Occasional pruning to maintain shape and remove dead branches is usually all that’s needed.
• Wildlife Value: The berries of Cotoneaster provide a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife, contributing to the biodiversity of the garden.

Cotoneaster in My Garden

I’ve incorporated several Cotoneaster species into my own garden, and they’ve consistently impressed me with their performance and beauty. I particularly enjoy the way their vibrant berries add a splash of color to the landscape during the fall and winter months. The birds seem to appreciate them too, as they often flock to the shrubs to feast on the ripe fruit.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, I highly recommend exploring the world of Cotoneaster. These versatile and resilient plants offer a wealth of possibilities for enhancing your garden with texture, color, and natural beauty.