Cotoneaster
About Cotoneaster
Originally from China, Cotoneaster is a shrub or tree producing clusters of white flowers during spring and summer followed by red berries which hang on the branches for months after flowering. They have a vigorous nature and were often used for hedges. Cotoneasters are widespread weeds in bushland and farming land. It is poisonous to people, dogs and livestock, and forms dense thickets under trees shading out local native species. The fruit is considered poisonous if ingested by humans, stock, and domestic dogs.
How it escapes
The abundant bright red berries ripen during autumn and are dispersed mainly by birds, water runoff and dumped garden waste. When dispersed into native habitats, they can form large dense stands that exclude native plant species and prevent regeneration. Cotoneaster can tolerate hot, cold, dry, wet and salty conditions and its berries are highly viable and sprout easily.
How to keep it in your garden
Smaller plants of Cotoneaster are easily removed by pulling. Seed germination can occur all year round, so pulling of seedlings should be done throughout the year. All waste should; be disposed of through council green waste systems.