Cotoneaster microphyllus

What to Eat

Edible parts: Fruit

The fruit is possibly edible raw, sweet when fully ripe with a watery flavour. It is approximately 7mm in diameter.

Where to Find It

It is a temperate plant. They are very frost hardy. It needs an exposed position with full sun. In Nepal they grow between 1300-3500 m altitude. In Uttar Pradesh in India they grow between 2000-4000 m altitude. It is best in a light to medium well-drained soil. It suits hardiness zones 5-10. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas*, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sikkim, Tibet,

How to Identify

An evergreen shrub. It has many branches. It is compact with many twigs. It often lies along the ground. It often forms a mound 1 m high. The leaves have short stalks. The leaves are 0.3-1.5 cm long by 0.2-0.5 cm wide. They are oval and leathery. They are glossy dark green above. The flowers occur singly. They are white and in the axils of leaves. The fruit is round and scarlet when ripe.

How to Grow

An easily grown plant, it prefers a good soil but also does well in poor soils. It thrives in lime and is also happy in peaty soils. It succeeds in any soil that is not marshy or waterlogged. Succeeds in dry soils. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in full sun or semi-shade but does not fruit so freely in a shady position. Tolerates atmospheric pollution. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -25°c. A very ornamental plant, there are some named forms. Most forms are quite slow-growing. It hybridizes freely with other members of this genus and often self-sows in British gardens. A low-growing plant, the branches often root when they come into contact with the soil. The flowers, when inhaled near to, have an unpleasant smell like decaying fish. They are very attractive to bees whilst the fruit is a good winter food source for many species of birds. Plants are notably susceptible to honey fungus. 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.

Propagation: Seed. Members of this genus hybridize freely, so seed should be obtained from a known wild source or controlled fertilization if true breeding is required. Sow seed as soon as it is ripe in autumn in a cold frame; it will usually germinate in spring. Stored seed germinates faster with 3 months warm stratification at 15°C followed by 3 months cold stratification at 4°C. Germination usually occurs within 1–18 months at 15°C but can take 2 years. Pot seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle, and plant out into nursery beds or permanent positions when more than 10cm tall. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel can be taken in July or August in a frame.

Medicinal Uses

The stolons are said to be astringent.

Other Uses

A rose-tan dye is obtained from the fruit. The leaves are used for incense. The plant has an extensive root system and a creeping above-ground habit, making it a good soil binder. The subspecies C. microphyllus cochleatus can be used as a dense, carpeting ground cover in a sunny position. The branches are used for making baskets. The wood is hard, close, and even grained, and is used for fuel.

Cotoneaster microphyllus, the small-leaved cotoneaster or rockspray cotoneaster, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae. It is native to the Indian Subcontinent, Tibet, Sichuan, and Yunnan in China, and Myanmar, and it has been introduced to various locales in Europe, Australia, and the United States. A rabbit-tolerant shrub reaching 1 m (3 ft) tall but spreading to 2.5 m (8 ft), and hardy in USDA zones 5 through 7, it is recommended for rockeries and hedges. Care should be taken not to plant it where it can become invasive.

Production

In NW Pakistan fruit are available in May.

Other Information

The fruit are especially eaten by children.

Notes

There are more than 200 Cotoneaster species.

More from Rosaceae

Acaena anserinifolia

Bidgee widgee, Buzzy, New Zealand Bur

No photo

Acaenia anserinifolia - (J.R.Forst.&G.Forst.)Druce.

Pirri-Pirri Bur

Adenostoma sparsifolium

Red shanks, Ribbonwood

Agrimonia eupatoria

Agrimony, Salt and Pepper

Agrimonia odorata

Adour agrimony, Liver-wort

Agrimonia pilosa

Indian chestnut, Agrimony