SafePlants

Cotoneaster frigidus 'Cornubia'

Cotoneaster frigidus 'Cornubia' is a cultivar of Cotoneaster frigidus, also known as Tree Cotoneaster. Synonyms include Cotoneaster frigidus 'Cornubia' and Cotoneaster watereri 'Cornubia'.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant may be found in gardens.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cotoneaster frigidus Wall. ex Lindl.
• Family: Rosaceae
• Genus: Cotoneaster
• Synonyms:
  • Cotoneaster frigidus 'Cornubia'
  • Cotoneaster watereri 'Cornubia'
• Hybrid: Possibly a complex hybrid of Cotoneaster frigidus and Cotoneaster salicifolius, known as C. x watereri when these species cross spontaneously.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Himalayas.
• Found as a garden escape, relic of cultivation, or planted in woodland, hedgerows, and rough grassland.
• Observations recorded in locations such as South Oxfordshire, private garden.
• Grows at altitudes from 2200 to 3400 meters.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Can be grown as a large semi-evergreen shrub or a small tree.
• Grows to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a fast rate.
• Has a rounded, compact, bushy upright habit. Upright when young, then arching.
• Leaves are elliptical, dark green, up to 12cm in length, long, narrow, and veined; some leaves turn bronze in winter.
• Flowers in June with masses of white flowers.
• Loses its leaves in winter (deciduous or semi-evergreen).

Ecological Role

• Considered non-native in England.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Cotoneaster frigidus is a food source for the moth species Stigmella oxyacanthella.

Quirky Facts

• Cotoneaster 'Cornubia' was raised at the Rothschild Exbury estate before 1933 and remains one of the finest small, semi-evergreen trees.
• It was raised at Exbury in Hampshire in the 1930's.