Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster lacteus
Rosaceae
Podcast Script

The Whole Plant	The Bark
The Leaves	The Reproductive Anatomy

Classification:

Angiosperm, Dicot, evergreen

Size:

- 8-12 feet tall and wide
-Has a great variety of density of the shrub

Identifying Features:

-Majority of Species are shrubs
-Long structural shoots, with smaller shoots coming off the main ones bearing the flowers
-White/pink flowers in late spring
-Small red fruit containing up to five seeds

Location/Habitat:

-Temperate zones all over the world:
-Asia, Africa, Europe, the western United States, etc.
-Click Here to see the main distribution of Cotoneaster lacteus across the United States

Flower/Fruit/Reproduction:

-Flowers in June
-Flowers are hermaphrodites
-The Seeds ripen from September to November
-Pollinated by flies and Midges

Water/Sun Requirements:

-Very Versatile in the amount of sun required
-Can live in deep forest, partial shade, or no shade at all
-Needs a good amount of water
-Soil must be well-drained

Special Adaptations:

-Cotton-like material on the bottom of the leaves helps prevent water loss
-Very attractive flower and fruits to help spread the pollen and seeds

Other Info:

-The fruit is used for some red-dyes
-The branches are used to make baskets in the Himalayas

Reference Sources/Links:

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/shrubs/cotoneaster_lacteus.html
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Rosaceae/Cotoneaster_lacteus.html
http://www.angliangardener.co.uk/Plants%20pop%20ups/cotoneaster_lacteus.html
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CODI19
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Cotoneaster+frigidus

Written by Sam W. 2007