Cotoneaster
Botanical Name
Cotoneaster franchetii
Family
Rosaceae (rose)
Also known as
Franchet cotoneaster, Cotoneaster sternianus
Where is it originally from?
China and Himalayas
What does it look like?
Evergreen shrub or small tree (<3+ m), with young shoots with pale downy hairs maturing into spreading and arching, dark reddish-brown stems that are often covered in sooty mould. Leaves (20- 35 x 7-18 mm) are shiny with soft shaggy hairs above and white-grey hairs underneath. Clusters of 7-15 small pinkish flowers (Nov-Jan) are followed by scarlet or orange berries (5-9 mm long).
Are there any similar species?
C. glaucophyllus, C. simonsii, and C. wardii are all similar.
Why is it weedy?
Produces high viability seed, matures quickly, forms dense stands that are long-lived, and outcompetes native shrub species in wide range of habitats. Very tolerant of damp and drought, hot and cold, salt and a range of soils, and is semi-shade tolerant.
How does it spread?
Birds distribute seeds widely. Hedges, roadsides, gardens, quarries and wasteland are all sources of seed.
What damage does it do?
Overtops and replaces shrub species, and prevents the establishment of native plant seedlings.
Which habitats is it likely to invade?
Coastline, inshore islands, dry forest and shrubland up to 300 m, forest margins, dry rangeland, bluffs, rocky sites, slips, and riverbeds.
What can I do to get rid of it?
Plan to control whole areas to minimise reseeding by birds.
1. Dig out small plants (all year round). Leave on site to rot down.
2. Cut down and paint stump (all year round, best in summer-autumn): metsulfuron-methyl 600g/kg (5 g/L) or picloram gel. Treat ends of cut branches if they are left on site.
3. Frilling (big stems only in summer-autumn): 'feather' bark, metsulfuron-methyl 600g/kg (5g /L).
4. Spray (summer-autumn): metsulfuron-methyl 600g/kg (5g/L + penetrant).
What can I do to stop it coming back?
Stumps resprout, often even after swabbing. Bared areas are reinfested by seed bank. Replant bared areas with dense groundcover or shrubs to prevent seedling regrowth.
