Cotoneaster microphyllus
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Cotoneaster microphyllus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 2 m (6ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, midges. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Trailing on rocks or spreading on grassy hillsides, 1200 - 5400 metres. Rocky slopes, rocky mountain areas, thickets and river valleysat elevations of 2000 - 4200 metres.
E. Asia - Himalayas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw. It is sweet when fully ripe. A watery flavour. It is possibly edible. The fruit is about 7mm in diameter.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The stolons are said to be astringent.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Other
Rating: 3
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 habit above ground. It makes a good soil binder. The sub-species C. microphyllus cochleatus can be used as a ground cover plant in a sunny position. It forms a dense carpet of growth. The branches are used for making baskets. Wood - hard, close and even grained. Used for fuel.
Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Incense: Aromatic plants that can be burnt to impart a pleasant smell, repel insects and disinfect closed areas.
Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
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. The root pattern is branching: a heart root, dividing from the crown into several primary roots going down and out .
Propagating it: 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. Stored seed germinates faster if given 3 months warm stratification at 15°c and then 3 months cold stratification at 4°c. The seed usually germinates within 1 - 18 months at 15°c but it can take 2 years. 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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist