Is Cotoneaster franchetii poisonous?
The successful spread of cotoneaster seeds by birds is one of the reasons this plant group has become invasive in the UK. However, not all wildlife can eat the berries. They are poisonous to some, with the possibility of cyanogenic glycoside toxicity occurring if consumed by humans or pets. Invasive cotoneaster was introduced to the UK from Eastern Asia in the 19th century as a garden plant. Since this time, it has smothered valuable landscapes including limestone grasslands and outcompeted many native species. Cotoneaster berries are easily dispersed by birds contributing to its widespread distribution.As cotoneaster spreads by seed, there is a need to ensure the entire plant is removed, but also any soil that might contain the seeds. It is important to note that some species of cotoneaster in the UK are listed as invasive in Schedule 9 plants on the Wildlife & Countryside Act.It is also an excellent groundcover plant for a sunny border. Please note: This cotoneaster is listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). It can be planted and contained in private gardens, although it is banned from being planted in the wild in England and Wales.
Is Cotoneaster franchetii invasive?
Cotoneaster was introduced to the UK in 1879 from Eastern Asia as an ornamental plant. It is now an invasive non-native species which is taking over valuable habitats including limestone grasslands. Cotoneaster divaricatus, commonly called spreading cotoneaster, is an upright, rounded, densely branched, deciduous shrub that matures to 5-6′ tall and spreads to 6-8′ wide. It is particularly noted for its attractive form, glossy green leaves, dark red autumn fruit and autumn foliage colors.Cotoneaster is an evergreen shrub that tends to grow upright with long branches rather than as a bush. Its bright orange berries grow in clusters so thick that the branches cannot be seen. Cotoneaster is poisonous in large amounts and may cause trouble breathing, weakness and seizures.Cotoneaster is an excellent multi-season plant, offering spring flowers, fall berries, and year-round structure. Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care.Cotoneasters make useful garden shrubs and groundcover plants, with most of them growing well in sun and partial shade. They have a long season of interest, thanks to their prolific summer flowers followed by deep-red berries, which remain on the plant from autumn through most of winter.
How tall does Cotoneaster franchetii grow?
Planted in a line, Cotoneaster franchetii can grow to 3 metres tall and can easily be pruned to the required height. The foliage is evergreen and will provide colour 12 months of the year. It has attractive small white flowers in early summer and in the early winter it becomes full of bright red berries. Are cotoneaster roots deep? Less mature cotoneaster plants have shallow but wide spreading root systems. Some have branches that grow low to the ground that can also form roots where they touch the soil, in a process called ‘layering’. Long established cotoneaster plants will have deeper, more extensive root systems.While Cotoneaster can grow on fairly barren areas like limestone slopes in coastal regions, their roots can establish deep into the ground which can be difficult to remove without excavation.How to care for Cotoneaster franchetii: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. This Cotoneaster is tolerant of a range of soil types, including poor or chalky soils, but avoid waterlogged conditions. Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots establish.RHS scientists have identified the bushy, hairy-leafed Cotoneaster franchetii to be a ‘super plant’ for improving the environment and human health, owing to its special ability to fight pollution by trapping harmful airborne particles.
Do cotoneasters have deep roots?
Many species grow into dense thickets, and the cotoneaster root system is woody, deep and tough. Often it becomes necessary to call upon professionals to remove larger areas of established cotoneaster and cotoneaster roots. You should trim your Late Cotoneaster twice a year- once at the beginning of June, and then again near the end of September. You must prune at the correct times (stated here), otherwise you may end up removing new shoots that are trying to grow. Once you have pruned, we also recommend feeding or mulching the plant.Cotoneaster is not one of those shrubs that requires pruning to develop vigorous, strong branches. In fact, the shorter varieties of cotoneaster are creepers, without upright branches. To trim cotoneasters that are groundcover types, you want to keep the brakes on. Don’t get carried away with cotoneaster pruning here.