Cotoneaster lucidus, the shiny cotoneaster,[2][3] or hedge cotoneaster, is a deciduous, medium-sized shrub with long, spreading branches reaching heights (and breadths) of 6' to 10'. It is native to parts of northern Asia, and adapted to tolerate colder weather (to zone 4).[4] C. lucidus was described in 1856 by Diederich Franz Leonhard von Schlechtendal. Some authorities consider it to be a synonym of Cotoneaster acutifolius, the Peking cotoneaster.[5]

Cotoneaster lucidus
In bloom in Iceland
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Cotoneaster
Species:
C. lucidus
Binomial name
Cotoneaster lucidus
Synonyms[1]

Cotoneaster acutifolius var. lucidus (Schltdl.) L.T.Lu

Identification edit

Leaves and branches edit

The leaves of Cotoneaster lucidus are dark green (changing yellow to red in autumn), simple, ovate, about 1" to 2.5" long and up to 1" wide, having pubescence on their undersides and growing in an alternate pattern along its stems. Branches are tolerant of pruning.[4]

Flowers edit

Flowers are a pale-pink, small and clustered blooming in early June. Flower buds are imbricate, appressed with loose exposed outer scales.[4]

Fruit edit

C lucidus grows an attractive, blackish pome fruit, about half an inch in diameter which ripens between September and October.[4]

Bark edit

The bark is tan in color, with lenticels on slender stems which have a pattern resembling fishbone.[4]

Roots edit

Despite its sparse root system, Cotoneaster lucidus holds up well in persistent winds thus making it a good hedging plant. It grows particularly well in well-drained, loose soil, but soil pH can vary.[4]

Propagation edit

Cotoneaster lucidus can be propagated by cuttings or by seed, with stratification necessary in the case of the latter.[4]

Pests edit

Cotoneaster lucidus is prone to fireblight, leaf spot, scale insects and spider mites.[4]

References edit

  1. ^ "Cotoneaster lucidus". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved June 17, 2009.
  2. ^ BSBI List 2007 (xls). Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original (xls) on 2015-06-26. Retrieved 2014-10-17.
  3. ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Cotoneaster lucidus". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h Mark Brand (October 17, 2000). "Cotoneaster lucidus". Plant Database. University of Connecticut. Archived from the original on April 25, 2009. Retrieved June 17, 2009.
  5. ^ "Cotoneaster lucidus Schltdl". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 5 May 2022.