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Common Name: Spreading Cotoneaster

General Information

Cotoneaster divaricatus is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 2.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - China. Naturalized in southern England.

Habitat

Rocky slopes, gullies, forests, shrubwoods and thickets at elevations of 1600 - 3400 metres[].

Properties

Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Flies, midges
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

An easily grown plant, it prefers a good soil but also does well in poor soils[, , ]. It thrives in lime and is also happy in peaty soils[]. It succeeds in any soil that is not marshy or waterlogged[, ]. Succeeds in dry soils[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in full sun or semi-shade but does not fruit so freely in a shady position[, ]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[].
A very hardy species, tolerating temperatures down to at least -15°c[].
Fairly fast-growing[].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[].
The flowers, when inhaled near to, have an unpleasant smell like decaying fish[]. They are very attractive to bees whilst the fruit is a good winter food source for many species of birds[].
Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A rose-tan dye is obtained from the fruit[].
Plants are often used in informal hedging[].

Propagation

Seed. Members of this genus hybridize freely so, if you require seed that breeds true, it is important to obtain it from a known wild source or from a controlled fertilization of garden plants. The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame, when it will usually germinate in the spring[, ]. Stored seed germinates faster if given 3 months warm stratification at 15°c and then 3 months cold stratification at 4°c[]. The seed usually germinates within 1 - 18 months at 15°c but it can take 2 years[]. Pot the seedlings up as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out into nursery beds or into their permanent positions when they are more than 10cm tall.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, mid summer in a frame[, ].