Littleleaf Cotoneaster

(Cotoneaster microphyllus)

Littleleaf Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster microphyllus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Cotoneaster microphyllus, commonly known as Littleleaf Cotoneaster, is an evergreen shrub native to rocky hillsides, slopes, and cliffs, primarily on limestone substrates in the Himalayas and parts of Western China. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters), with a dense, mat-forming habit. The small, dark green leaves are leathery and contribute to its year-round appeal. In late spring to early summer, it produces small, 5-petaled, pink-tinged white flowers that are modest in showiness, followed by bright red berries in the fall, which persist into winter and are attractive to birds.

Littleleaf Cotoneaster is valued for its low maintenance, drought tolerance, and ability to stabilize slopes, making it a popular choice for ground cover, rock gardens, and erosion control. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils but can adapt to various soil types. While it requires minimal watering once established, overwatering should be avoided. Gardeners should be cautious of its invasive potential outside its native range and its susceptibility to fire blight, a bacterial disease that can cause significant damage to the plant.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 6-8 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Groundcover, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Rocky hillsides, slopes, and cliffs, primarily on limestone substrates in the Himalayas and parts of Western China

Other Names

Common Names: Small-Leaf Cotoneaster}Kleinblättrige Zwergmispel, Dvärgoxbär, Smallleaf Cotoneaster, Xiao Ye Xun Zi

Scientific Names: , Cotoneaster microphyllus, Cotoneaster microphyllus var. cochleatus, Cotoneaster microphyllus var. microphyllus, Cotoneaster buxifolia f. cochleata, Pyrus microphylla, Cotoneaster emarginata, Cotoneaster rupestris, Mespilus microphylla,

GBIF Accepted Name: Cotoneaster microphyllus Wall. ex Lindl.