Cotoneaster salicifolius

This evergreen shrub is only one example of the Cotoneaster genus, which is huge. The difficulty of cotoneasters is identifying the many species available, though some are abundant and are easily identified. I believe the two photos pictured here are indeed Cotoneaster salicifolius. (Common name, Willowleaf Cotoneaster).

Cotoneaster salicifolius

Cotoneaster salicifolius, AKA willow leaf, is native to the mountains of western China. An evergreen shrub, 6-8(15) ft [1.8-2.4(4.5) m], spreading, arching to horizontal.   Leaves alternate, simple, willow-like, 4-9 cm long and 0.8-2.0 cm wide, 5-willow-leaved cotoneaster (Cotoneaster salicifolius) has relatively long and narrow leaves (25-90 mm long) with dark green, glossy and hairless (i.e. glabrous) upper surfaces. Dark green, wrinkled above, pubescent and glaucous below, while some yellow and red leaves in late fall and winter are a special treat.

1 thought on “Cotoneaster salicifolius

  1. This has always been one of my favorite shrubs although I don’t know that this particular variety of cotoneaster grows in the east. Seeing red berries of any kind this time of year is so cheerful.

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