Cotoneaster – Latin cotoneum meaning “quince” + -aster meaning “resembling”
Leaves:
- alternate
- usually simple
- sessile or short-petioled
- usually entire margin
- often w/ prominent veins and lower surface of leaf pale
- often pubescent
Flowers:
- solitary or in cymes or corymbs
- perfect
- radial
- white, pink or red
- 2-5 sepals, fused at base
- 5 petals, equal
- stamens approx. 20 with purple/reddish pollen
- 2-5 styles
- inferior ovary
- insect pollinated
Fruit:
- pomes
- red, black, or orange
- calyx persistent
Other characteristics:
- shrubs to 15 ft., often creeping or ground hugging
- often branching at about a 45º angle
- evergreen or deciduous
Relevant info:
- many species are invasive