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Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster
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Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster frigidus foliage and fruit
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Subfamily: Amygdaloideae
Tribe: Maleae
Subtribe: Malinae
Genus: Cotoneaster
Medik.
Species

See text

Cotoneaster /kəˈtoʊniːˈæstər/[1] is a genus of flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae, native to the Palaearctic region (temperate Asia, Europe, north Africa), with a strong concentration of diversity in the genus in the mountains of southwestern China and the Himalayas.[2] They are related to hawthorns (Crataegus), firethorns (Pyracantha), photinias (Photinia), and rowans (Sorbus).

Depending on the species definition used, between 70 and 300 different species of Cotoneaster are described, with many apomictic microspecies treated as species by some authors, but only as varieties by others.[2][3]

The majority of species are shrubs from 0.5–5 m (1.6–16.4 ft) tall, varying from ground-hugging prostrate plants to erect shrubs; a few, notably C. frigidus, are small trees up to 15 m (49 ft) tall and 75 cm (30 in) trunk diameter. The prostrate species are mostly alpine plants growing at high altitudes (e.g. C. integrifolius, which grows at 3,000–4,000 m (9,800–13,100 ft) in the Himalayas), while the larger species occur in scrub and woodland gaps at lower altitudes.[citation needed]

Description

[edit]

The shoots are dimorphic, with long shoots (10–40 cm (3.9–15.7 in) long) producing structural branch growth, and short shoots (0.5–5 cm (0.20–1.97 in) long) bearing the flowers; this pattern often developing a 'herringbone' form of branching. The leaves are arranged alternately, 0.5–15 cm (0.20–5.91 in) long, ovate to lanceolate in shape, entire; both evergreen and deciduous species occur.[citation needed]

Flowers are produced from late spring to early summer, either solitarily or in corymbs of up to 100 flowers. The flower is either fully open or has its five petals partially open, with a diameter of approximately 5–10 mm (0.20–0.39 in) meters. They may be any shade from white through creamy white to light pink to dark pink to almost red, 10–20 stamens and up to five styles. The fruit is a small pome measuring approximately 5–12 mm (0.20–0.47 in) in diameter, and it can be pink or bright red, orange or even maroon or black when mature, containing one to three (rarely up to five) seeds.[3][4] Fruit on some species stays on until the following year.[citation needed]

Wildlife value

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Cotoneaster species are used as larval food plants by some Lepidoptera species including grey dagger, mottled umber, short-cloaked moth, winter moth, and hawthorn moth. The flowers attract bees and butterflies and the fruits are eaten by birds.[citation needed]

Although only a single species is native there, in the UK and Ireland, Cotoneaster species are, along with the related genus Pyracantha, a source of nectar. The red berries are also highly attractive to blackbirds and other thrushes.[citation needed]

Cultivation and uses

[edit]

Cotoneasters are very popular garden shrubs, grown for their attractive habit and decorative fruit. Some cultivars are of known parentage, such as the very popular Cotoneaster × watereri Exell (Waterer's cotoneaster; C. frigidus × C. salicifolius), while others are of mixed or unknown heritage.[4]

The following species and cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:-

Invasiveness

[edit]

Many species have escaped from cultivation and become invasive weeds in regions with suitable climatic conditions, such as numerous Chinese species naturalised in north-western Europe.[16] C. glaucophyllus has become an invasive weed in Australia[17] and California.[18] C. simonsii is listed on the New Zealand National Pest Plant Accord preventing its sale and distribution due to its invasive nature. On Portland, Dorset, UK, it has become invasive and is regularly managed to protect the local environment along the Jurassic Coast.

Nomenclature and classification

[edit]

The genus name Cotoneaster derives from cotoneum, a Latin name for the quince, and the suffix -aster, 'resembling'. The name is correctly masculine, though in some older works it was wrongly treated as feminine, resulting in different name endings for many of the species (e.g.Cotoneaster integerrima instead of Cotoneaster integerrimus).[3]

The genus is often divided into two or more sections, though the situation is complicated by hybridisation:[3]

  • Cotoneaster sect. Cotoneaster (syn. sect. Orthopetalum). Flowers solitary or up to 6 together; petals forward-pointing, often tinged pink. Mostly smaller shrubs.
  • Cotoneaster sect. Chaenopetalum. Flowers more than 20 together in corymbs; petals opening flat, creamy white. Mostly larger shrubs.

Edibility

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Similar to other small, red berries, all cotoneaster berries are eaten by various bird species, which disperse the seeds widely. They are not suitable for humans to eat; the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia lists Cotoneaster berries as poisonous[19]

Selected species

[edit]

Sources:[2][4][16][21][22][23]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Cotoneaster

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Cotoneaster is a genus of 50 to 500 species of flowering shrubs and small trees in the rose family, Rosaceae, native to Eurasia with the highest diversity concentrated in the mountains of China and the Himalayas. These plants exhibit diverse growth forms, ranging from prostrate groundcovers to erect trees up to 15 meters tall, and feature simple, alternate, entire leaves that are typically dark green and glossy, though some species have grayish or woolly undersides. In spring and summer, they produce clusters of small, epigynous flowers, 4–15 mm in diameter, with white to pink petals and often pinkish anthers, followed by persistent, colorful pomes—pome fruits that are orange, red, or black and measure 4–14 mm, containing 1–5 seeds—which serve as a vital food source for birds. The genus is divided into two main subgenera: Cotoneaster, characterized by erect petals often tinted pink or red and white anthers, and Chaenopetalum, with spreading petals and white flowers. Many species are apomictic (reproducing asexually via seeds) and polyploid, particularly tetraploid, contributing to the taxonomic complexity and high species count, with estimates varying from 50 to 500 depending on whether microspecies are recognized. Native to temperate and , Cotoneaster species have been widely introduced worldwide for ornamental purposes, hedging, and groundcover, though some have become invasive in regions like and due to bird-dispersed seeds. Beyond , Cotoneaster holds ethnobotanical significance, with leaves and fruits used in traditional Asian to treat conditions such as , , and cardiovascular issues, owing to their , , and properties from compounds like and phytoalexins. The flowers support pollinators like bees, which collect for production, while the durable wood has been utilized for tools and implements in native regions.

Taxonomy

Etymology and History

The genus name Cotoneaster derives from the Latin cotoneum, a term for quince (Cydonia oblonga), combined with the suffix -aster, denoting resemblance or similarity, in reference to the likeness of its small pomes or leaves to those of the . This nomenclature highlights the botanical affinity within the pome-fruit group, though the exact feature emphasized—whether fruits, leaves, or overall habit—varies slightly in historical accounts. The first scientific recognition of a cotoneaster species came from in his 1753 Species Plantarum, where he described Mespilus cotoneaster (now Cotoneaster integerrimus), placing it among pome-bearing plants under the informal grouping later termed Pomaceae. The genus Cotoneaster itself was formally established by Friedrich Kasimir Medikus in 1789, initially within the broader family, reflecting its close relation to other pomaceous shrubs like hawthorns and serviceberries. By the , as systematic advanced, the genus was more precisely situated in subfamily Amygdaloideae, tribe , based on floral and fruit characteristics shared with genera such as Malus and Pyrus. Significant advancements in understanding Cotoneaster occurred through the work of 19th- and early 20th-century botanists, including Joseph Decaisne, who described species like C. horizontalis in 1872 from Himalayan collections, and Adrien Franchet, who contributed extensively to the documentation of Chinese taxa, naming several such as C. moupinensis in 1886. These efforts revealed the genus's vast diversity, primarily in temperate , but also highlighted challenges from and interspecific hybridization, which produced numerous microspecies and confounded early classifications. Asian Cotoneaster species were introduced to in the early as ornamental plants valued for their attractive foliage, flowers, and persistent fruits, with records indicating entries into British cultivation as early as 1824. These introductions, often from and the , initially led to taxonomic ambiguities, as hybrids between native European species and exotic ones proliferated in gardens, complicating species delineation and contributing to ongoing nomenclatural debates.

Classification and Species Diversity

Cotoneaster is classified within the family , subfamily , tribe , subtribe (formerly subtribe Pyrinae or subfamily Maloideae). This placement reflects its close phylogenetic relationships with other genera in the Malinae subtribe, such as and , based on shared morphological and molecular characteristics including fruits and similar floral structures. The encompasses approximately 250–300 , including , , and numerous microspecies, though estimates vary widely from 50 to over 400 depending on delimitation criteria. As of 2025, recognizes 269 accepted . This diversity arises largely from prevalent (asexual seed production), which generates agamospecies—clonally reproducing lineages treated as distinct —and extensive hybridization events. Recent molecular studies, including a 2023 analysis, highlight the role of these reproductive mechanisms in rapid . Taxonomic challenges are compounded by high levels of , with many exhibiting triploid, tetraploid, or higher levels that obscure boundaries and contribute to morphological variability. Ongoing addresses these complexities through phylogenomic approaches, revealing intricate evolutionary histories marked by reticulate evolution. For instance, a 2025 study reported Cotoneaster bullatus as a newly naturalized non-native in the Balkan Peninsula, expanding its European range beyond previous records and underscoring the genus's invasive potential in novel habitats. Infrageneric divisions traditionally recognize sections such as Cotoneaster (with closed petals), Chaenopetalum (open-campanulate corolla), and Microphyllus (small-leaved ), primarily delineated by size, indumentum, and traits, though suggest these groupings require revision to account for hybridization.

Description

Growth Habit and Morphology

Cotoneaster species exhibit a diverse range of growth habits, primarily as deciduous or shrubs, with some forming small up to 15 m tall, though most are shrubs between 0.5 and 5 m in height, with a few reaching 10-15 m. Displaying forms from erect and rounded to spreading, arching, or prostrate, they adapt to various environmental conditions. For instance, C. horizontalis features a distinctive herringbone branching with horizontally spreading, densely branched stems, creating a low, mat-like structure typically reaching 0.5–1 m tall, while C. frigidus develops as a larger, rounded or small tree to 10 m. These variations in habit are influenced by native climate adaptations, with prostrate forms often suited to ground cover roles. The leaves of Cotoneaster are simple and alternate, typically elliptic to ovate in shape, measuring 0.5–10 cm in length, with entire margins and a leathery texture in species. They are often glossy dark green above and paler or pubescent beneath, arranged in two ranks along the stems for an efficient photosynthetic display. In species, leaves undergo seasonal color changes, turning vibrant reds, oranges, or purples in autumn before , enhancing ornamental value. types retain foliage year-round in milder climates but may drop leaves under stress or exposure. Stems are woody and unarmed in most species, lacking thorns except in rare cases like certain Asian endemics, with branchlets often initially pubescent and becoming glabrous over time. Bark is smooth and grayish on young stems, developing a fissured or scaly texture with age, frequently marked by prominent lenticels for . These structural features contribute to the genus's resilience in temperate and montane habitats.

Flowers, Fruits, and Reproduction

Cotoneaster species produce small flowers, 4–15 mm in diameter, featuring five petals that are white to pink and often tinged with red. These hermaphroditic blooms consist of numerous stamens surrounding a central style and are arranged in dense cymes or umbels of 2–6 flowers, sometimes solitary in certain sections of the genus. Pollination is primarily achieved by insects, including bees, flies, and midges, attracted by nectar rather than pollen. The fruits of Cotoneaster are pomes, measuring 4–14 mm in diameter, with globose to oval shapes and colors ranging from brilliant red and orange to black or yellowish. These pomes, which contain 1–5 per , often persist on the into winter, providing extended visual interest. They harbor cyanogenic glycosides such as and , which contribute to mild toxicity. Reproduction in Cotoneaster involves both sexual and asexual modes, with cross-pollination facilitating , though —producing seeds without fertilization—is prevalent in many polyploid species, leading to clonal populations and the formation of microspecies. are primarily dispersed by birds, which carry the pomes away from the parent plant. In temperate zones, flowering generally occurs from May to , followed by fruit development and ripening from to .

Distribution and Ecology

Native Range and Habitats

Cotoneaster species are primarily native to the Palaearctic realm, encompassing a broad distribution from (including the region) through temperate areas of (such as the , , and ), extending to . While native species are few in , the genus exhibits its highest species diversity in southwestern and the adjacent Himalayan mountains, where over 100 species occur, representing a significant portion of the estimated 70 to 500 species worldwide depending on taxonomic interpretations and whether apomictic microspecies are recognized. In their native habitats, Cotoneaster plants thrive in diverse environments ranging from rocky slopes and scrublands to forest edges and cliff sides, often at elevations between 0 and 4,000 meters. They prefer well-drained soils with neutral to alkaline , including types, and can tolerate dry conditions in arid regions; light exposure varies from full sun to partial shade in open-mixed forests or mountainous terrains. These adaptations enable the genus to occupy varied ecological niches across its range. Many Cotoneaster species demonstrate notable resilience, with arid-native forms exhibiting and most being down to USDA zones 4 through 8. Recent ecological surveys have highlighted endemic in specific regions, such as the Mountains of , where taxa like Cotoneaster multiflorus are adapted to local , , and barren conditions.

Interactions with Wildlife and Ecosystems

Cotoneaster species play a significant role in supporting pollinators within their native Palaearctic ecosystems, where their small, white to pink flowers provide nectar and pollen resources primarily during spring and early summer. These flowers attract a variety of insects, including bees, butterflies, and flies, with nectar serving as the primary attractant rather than pollen. For instance, honeybees are particularly drawn to the nectar, which can yield approximately 11 grams of sugar per square meter, offering a vital early-season food source in temperate regions. The berries of Cotoneaster contribute to food webs by serving as a source for frugivorous birds, which in turn facilitate across native habitats. Across their native ranges, species such as thrushes and waxwings consume the small, typically red pomes, often swallowing them whole and excreting viable seeds far from the parent plant, enhancing the plant's distribution in scrub and edges. This interaction is enabled by the berries' bright color and fleshy texture, which remain on the plant through winter, providing sustained during periods of . Cotoneaster also interacts with herbivores, acting as a host plant for certain insect larvae and occasional browse for larger mammals. It serves as a larval food source for moths, including the grey dagger (Acronicta psi) and mottled umber (Erannis defoliaria), whose caterpillars feed on the leaves in native scrub habitats. Additionally, deer occasionally browse the foliage and twigs, particularly in disturbed areas where other forage is limited, though this is not a primary food preference. In native ecosystems, Cotoneaster provides key services such as and on slopes, thanks to its dense root systems and sprawling growth habit. Species like exhibit root tensile strengths that contribute to , reducing soil loss in rocky or hilly terrains common to their Asian habitats. These shrubs also enhance in scrub communities by forming layers that support diverse and populations, though they rarely dominate intact ecosystems. While generally integrated into native dynamics, Cotoneaster can exhibit rare over-dominance in disturbed sites due to its frequent apomictic reproduction, which produces genetically uniform clonal seeds without fertilization. This trait, prevalent in polyploid species across the , allows rapid colonization of gaps in Asian scrub and edges, potentially reducing diversity in heavily altered habitats.

Cultivation

Propagation and Care

Cotoneaster species can be propagated through several methods, with vegetative techniques preferred for maintaining desirable traits in clones. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer provide high success rates, typically rooted in a well-drained medium under mist with bottom heat around 21°C (70°F); success often exceeds 80% when treated with rooting hormones like . Layering, particularly simple or tip layering in spring or summer, is effective for ground-covering types such as C. dammeri, where branches root readily in contact with soil. Seed propagation is viable but slower; many species exhibit , producing genetically identical offspring, though non-apomictic types require cold stratification at 5°C (41°F) for 2-3 months to break , followed by in a moist, sandy medium at 15-20°C (59-68°F) for . For optimal growth, Cotoneaster thrives in well-drained loamy soils with a range of 6.0-8.0, tolerating slightly acidic to mildly alkaline conditions and adapting to poor, rocky, or sandy soils with minimal fertility. should prioritize full sun to partial shade, with spacing of 1-3 (3-10 feet) for hedges to allow air circulation and development of dense structure. Once established, exhibit moderate , requiring supplemental watering only during prolonged dry spells in the first 1-2 years; overwatering should be avoided to prevent . Maintenance involves light immediately after flowering to shape the and remove dead wood, enhancing vigor and fruit production; severe is tolerated but best done in late winter for types to avoid disease entry. Pests such as (including woolly apple aphid) and scale insects can be managed through horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps applied in early infestation stages, while monitoring for —prune affected branches 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) below visible symptoms during dry weather. Fertilization is minimal, with a balanced slow-release formula applied in spring sufficient for most sites. Most Cotoneaster species are hardy in USDA zones 4-8, with deciduous forms more cold-tolerant down to zone 4 (-34°C/-29°F) and evergreens like C. lacteus benefiting from winter mulch or wind protection in zone 5 or colder to prevent . Heat tolerance extends to zone 8, though excessive may increase susceptibility. Cotoneaster horizontalis 'Variegatus' is a widely cultivated groundcover selection valued for its distinctive variegated foliage, where small, oval leaves feature creamy white margins along green edges, creating a bright contrast in landscapes. This maintains the ' characteristic herringbone branching pattern, growing slowly to 2-3 feet tall and spreading 5-6 feet wide, with clusters of small white flowers in spring followed by persistent berries in fall. Its compact form makes it suitable for edging, slopes, and containers, enhancing visual interest through year-round color variation. Another popular dwarf cultivar, Cotoneaster salicifolius 'Gnom', offers an mat-forming habit, reaching only about 1 foot tall while spreading up to 6 feet wide, with glossy, lance-shaped dark green leaves that provide dense coverage. It produces small white flowers in , succeeded by orange-red berries that add seasonal appeal, and its prostrate growth excels in groundcover applications on banks or under taller . This selection is prized for its low maintenance and ability to suppress weeds in garden settings. For options, Cotoneaster lucidus selections like those bred for use emphasize glossy dark green leaves and upright growth to 6-10 feet tall and wide, with pinkish-white flowers yielding black fruits, though specific disease-resistant forms have gained favor in recent cultivation. Cultivars such as C. salicifolius 'October Glory' and 'Willeki' are noted for their resistance to , featuring arching branches, lustrous foliage, and red berries, making them reliable for formal s or screens. Hybrids like Cotoneaster × suecicus, a between C. horizontalis and C. bullatus originating from 19th-century European breeding efforts for enhanced hardiness, produce low-mounding shrubs with small, glossy green leaves, white flowers, and coral-red berries. Notable selections include 'Coral Beauty', which grows 1-2 feet tall and spreads 6 feet, offering dense coverage and improved vigor in cooler climates. Recent introductions include Shear Genius™ ('Monshgus'), an released in 2024, growing to 5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide with a narrow, upright ideal for shearing into formal shapes, hardy in USDA zones 7-9. Selection of Cotoneaster cultivars typically prioritizes traits such as plant size for specific roles, foliage color for aesthetic variety, and fruit display for wildlife attraction and winter interest, with over 50 named forms available globally to suit diverse garden needs. Post-2000 introductions have focused on resistance, including 'Emerald Beauty' (Cotoneaster × suecicus 'OSUCOT2') from , released around 2019, which features deep green foliage, orange berries, and superior tolerance to the disease while maintaining a 2-3 foot height and 4-6 foot spread. Similarly, 'Emerald Sprite' provides a compact mounding habit under 2 feet tall, with dense emerald foliage and proven resistance in field trials. These varieties address vulnerabilities in older selections, promoting sustainable cultivation.

Uses and Impacts

Ornamental and Landscaping Applications

Cotoneaster species are valued in for their adaptable growth habits, making them suitable for various roles such as hedges, privacy screens, and groundcovers. Upright varieties like Cotoneaster lucidus form dense hedges or screens that provide year-round structure, while prostrate types such as Cotoneaster horizontalis excel as groundcovers on slopes and banks, effectively controlling through their mat-forming roots and branching patterns. Mass plantings of these shrubs offer striking winter interest, as their persistent red or black berries cling to bare branches, adding color and texture to dormant landscapes. The aesthetic appeal of Cotoneaster contributes to its popularity in garden design, delivering multi-season interest through delicate spring flowers, lush summer foliage, fiery autumn leaf colors, and vibrant berries that endure into winter. Small, clustered white to pinkish blooms attract early pollinators, while semi-evergreen or leaves—often glossy green turning or purple—provide textural contrast; the fruits, resembling tiny apples, enhance fall displays. These qualities make Cotoneaster ideal for rock gardens, borders, and foundation plantings, where their compact forms soften architectural lines without overwhelming smaller spaces. In urban environments, Cotoneaster's resilience to , , and poor soils positions it as a low-maintenance choice for parks, roadsides, and street plantings. Its tolerance of salt spray and compacted urban conditions supports use along highways and in coastal areas, reducing upkeep needs in high-traffic settings. Historically, Cotoneaster has featured in European formal gardens since the , valued for its ornamental fruits and tidy habit in structured landscapes. Additionally, in garden settings, the flowers draw bees and butterflies, while berries provide food for birds, enhancing in contained plantings without posing escape risks.

Invasiveness and Environmental Concerns

Numerous Cotoneaster taxa have become invasive outside their native ranges. In , about 20 species have escaped from cultivation, with around 10 becoming naturalized. A global review identifies approximately 10 Cotoneaster species as invasive alien shrubs. Notable examples include C. franchetii and C. pannosus, which are invasive in parts of , such as and , where they form dense thickets in coastal areas and woodlands. In , C. horizontalis, C. integrifolius, C. bullatus, C. simonsii, and C. microphyllus were added to Schedule 9 of the UK's Wildlife and Countryside Act in 2010, prohibiting their planting or allowing them to spread in the wild. A 2025 study reported C. bullatus as a new non-native species in the Balkan Peninsula, specifically , with potential to become invasive. The spread of invasive Cotoneaster is facilitated by bird-dispersed from their attractive red berries, which are consumed and excreted far from parent plants, enabling rapid colonization of grasslands, woodlands, and disturbed sites. Additionally, many propagate vegetatively through root sprouting and layering of low-lying branches, allowing them to regenerate even after partial removal and displace native vegetation. This dual reproductive strategy contributes to their aggressive establishment, often forming monocultures that outcompete local flora in non-native habitats. Invasive Cotoneaster reduces by dominating understories and preventing native plant regeneration, leading to altered structures in invaded areas. While direct evidence of is limited, their dense growth and resource competition exacerbate degradation, potentially influencing soil chemistry through increased litter accumulation and shading effects. In regions like the and , these invasions threaten woodland and coastal , diminishing suitability for native wildlife. Management of invasive Cotoneaster typically involves mechanical removal, such as cutting and digging out roots to prevent resprouting, though this is labor-intensive for large infestations. Herbicides like are commonly applied to stumps or foliage for effective control, with follow-up monitoring essential due to seed banks. Prevention strategies include promoting sterile or low-fertility cultivars in to minimize seed production, alongside regulations restricting sales in certain regions, including some member states and states like , where high-risk species are on lists.

Human Interactions

Edibility and Toxicity

The fruits of Cotoneaster species are mildly and possess low , making them unsuitable for regular consumption. Cotoneaster contain cyanogenic glycosides, such as and , in their leaves, fruits, and seeds, which can release (HCN) upon ingestion and . Symptoms of in humans typically include , , and , with the overall considered minor according to the , as the LD50 is relatively high but poses risks especially to children and pets. In a study on rats using fruits of C. divaricatus, doses of 0.5 g/kg body weight were safe, while 1 g/kg induced initial symptoms of cyanide . Cotoneaster is poisonous to such as sheep and , as well as to dogs and cats, primarily due to the cyanogenic glycosides affecting ruminants and causing gastrointestinal upset or more severe respiratory distress in cases of significant ingestion. For instance, a documented case involved a exhibiting dyspnea, cyanotic congested mucous membranes, salivation, recumbency, tremors, and after consuming Cotoneaster, and the animal died despite supportive treatment with and antidotes. Birds often consume the berries without apparent harm, as they serve as a source for . Toxicity levels vary among species; for example, concentrations in leaves range from 0.5% to 5.0%, with the highest recorded in C. congesta, while fruits of C. horizontalis show lower content (≤0.1%). No human fatalities from Cotoneaster ingestion have been recorded, though animal fatalities, such as in the case, underscore risks in sensitive species or large exposures.

Ethnobotany and Pharmacological Properties

Cotoneaster species have been utilized in traditional Chinese and Tibetan for treating various ailments, including , , , and . For instance, the roots and bark of Cotoneaster integerrimus are employed as astringents to alleviate and fever, while C. melanocarpus is used to control nasal hemorrhage, and C. tricolor addresses in neonatal cases. These ethnobotanical applications highlight the genus's role in Asian herbal practices, where plant parts like leaves, fruits, and stems are prepared as decoctions or infusions for their purported therapeutic effects. Phytochemically, Cotoneaster species are rich in bioactive compounds, including such as (ranging from 2.6 to 13.2 mg/g dry weight), , and ; triterpenoids like in C. serotina and C. pannosa; and phenolic acids such as chlorogenic and ferulic acids. Fruits and leaves exhibit notable capacity, with total phenolic content reaching up to 154.3 mg equivalents per gram in C. bullatus leaves and glycosides like and contributing to this activity in C. zabelii. Pharmacological studies have validated several traditional uses, demonstrating effects in C. zabelii leaf extracts (IC₅₀ values of 185.8–217.8 µg/mL) and activity in C. integerrimus fruits (minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.195–6.25 mg/mL against various pathogens). research indicates moderate anticancer potential through assays, while a 2020 review emphasized hypoglycemic effects, such as reduced blood glucose in animal models treated with C. horizontalis at 250 mg/kg. More recent investigations, including a 2024 study on C. zabelii, confirm antihyperglycemic activity (IC₅₀ of 32.62–36.39 µg/mL for α-glucosidase inhibition) correlated with levels. Recent 2025 studies explore green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from C. horizontalis for enhanced antibacterial properties. Toxicologically, Cotoneaster contains cyanogenic glycosides like (0.5–5.0% in some species), offering low-dose benefits through bioactive compounds but posing risks of release at higher intakes, with observed at 1 g/kg in compared to safety at 0.5 g/kg. No pharmaceutical drugs derived from Cotoneaster have been approved as of 2025, though research into its pharmacological potential continues, focusing on and antidiabetic applications.

References

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