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Common Name:

General Information

Cotoneaster franchetii is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 3.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - W. China to Tibet.

Habitat

Thickets in rocky sunny mountain regions, open hillsides at elevations of 1600 - 2900 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
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[, ]. Plants also succeed in deep shade[]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[]. Fairly tolerant of maritime exposure[, ].
Plants are hardy to about -15°c[].
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

The fruit has a mild flavour though it is very mealy and full of seeds[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A rose-tan dye is obtained from the fruit[].
The plant can be grown as an informal windbreak hedge in all but the most exposed situations[, , ]. Tolerates trimming[].

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[, ].