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Common Name:

General Information

Cotoneaster frigidus is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 10.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Himalayas.

Habitat

Shrubberies and riversides, especially in Nepal, 2200 - 3400 metres from Uttar Pradesh to S.W. China[]. River valleys, broad-leaved deciduous forests on slopes, 2800 - 3300 metres in Tibet[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	10.00 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[, ]. Plants also succeed in quite deep shade[]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[]. A fast-growing plant[].
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[].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus, especially those species in the 'Salicifolia' group of this genus[].
Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The fruits are eaten to replenish the blood in cases of deficiency[].

Other Uses

A rose-tan dye is obtained from the fruit[].
The branches are used in basketry and for making twig bridges in the Himalayas[].
Can be grown as an informal hedge[].

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[, ].