Cotoneaster coriaceus
a perennial woody evergreen member of the Cotoneaster genus in the family Rosaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Genus
- Cotoneaster
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Woodiness
- woody
- Growth rate
- vigorous
- Height
- 4 m
- Spread
- 4 m
- Fertility
- Flies, Midges
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Flies, Midges
Uses
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
A rose-tan dye is obtained from the fruit[4]. Tolerates trimming[10] and can be grown as an informal windbreak hedge in all but the most exposed positions, tolerating some maritime exposure[10][7]. Any trimming is best done in September by removing the current years growth to reveal the fruit.
- Product or use
- Dye
Ecology and functions
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - China in N.W.Yunnan.
- Habitat
- Scrub, hedgerows and rocky places in calcareous soils[7]. Grassy slopes along riversides or thickets at elevations of 1800 - 2700 metres in Guizhou, Sichuan, Xizang and Yunnan Provinces[9].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 6+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- high wind, maritime exposure
- Wind
- Yes
- Maritime
- Yes
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
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[2][7]. Stored seed germinates faster if given 3 months warm stratification at 15°c and then 3 months cold stratification at 4°c[3]. The seed usually germinates within 1 - 18 months at 15°c but it can take 2 years[3]. 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[2][7].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
An easily grown plant, it prefers a good soil but also does well in poor soils[1][2][7]. It thrives in lime and is also happy in peaty soils[1]. It succeeds in any soil that is not marshy or waterlogged[2][7]. Succeeds in dry soils[6]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in full sun or semi-shade but does not fruit so freely in a shady position[2][7]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[7]. Fairly tolerant of maritime exposure[10][7]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is hardy to about -15°c[5]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[7]. The flowers, when inhaled near to, have an unpleasant smell like decaying fish[8]. They are very attractive to bees whilst the fruit is a good winter food source for many species of birds[7]. Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus[7].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. 1990-00-00
Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-02-544950-8
Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2
Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8
Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Rosewarne experimental horticultural station. Shelter Trees and Hedges. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 1984-00-00