SafePlants

Cotoneaster ambiguus

Cotoneaster ambiguus, with the common name "Chuan Kang Xun Zi" (from Chinese), is an accepted scientific name for a species within the genus Cotoneaster. It is sometimes referred to in German as "Die Zweifelhafte Zwergmispel." It is known to attract wildlife.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant produces berries that may attract wildlife to your yard.

Considerations for Children

• This plant produces berries that may attract wildlife to your yard.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cotoneaster ambiguus Rehder &amp E. H. Wilson
• Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)
• Subfamily: Maloideae
• Synonyms:
  • Cotoneaster acutifolius Turczaninow var.
  • Cotoneaster acutifolius var. ambiguus
  • Cotoneaster pseudoambiguus
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Group: Dicot

Distribution and Habitat

• Origin: China (Sichuan)
• It is known to grow in Belgium and the Noord-Oost Polder (Netherlands).
• Several species of the Eurasian genus Cotoneaster, including C. ambiguus, are naturalizing in central Europe.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is described as a white-flowering shrub.
• Life Form: Shrub
• Size: 100-200 cm.
• Exposure: Full sun to half shade
• Deciduous and broadly spreading

Ecological Role

• Cotoneaster species are potentially invasive alien plant species.

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society): Provides help and information.
• The Plant List, IPNI (International Plant Names Index), Australian Plant Name Index, NYBG (New York Botanical Garden) Virtual Herbarium: Useful for searching taxonomic information.
• USDA, ARS, Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN).
• Encyclopedia of Life