Cotoneaster
Common name
Cotoneaster
Scientific Name
Cotoneaster pannosus
Type of plant
Uncategorised
About this weed
Cotoneaster pannosus originated in China and was introduced as a hardy ornamental garden plant, usually grown for it white flowers and attractive red berries that could be used as a floral display. It is common in the Darling Range and on roadsides between Perth and Albany. C. pannosus is similar to C. glaucophyllus that is also a weed. The latter is found in a few areas along the south coast west of Albany. C.pannosus has smaller leaves than C. glaucophyllus.
Description
This evergreen shrub or small tree grows to 3 m high. It has simple untoothed leaves 15-25 mm long and the upper surface is green. The white flowers grow in clusters of 6-20 flowers. After flowering the fruit are red. Reproduction is by seed that is dispersed by birds, pigs and garden refuse. The time to first flowering is 2 years and the fruits are poisonous to humans. Cotoneaster resprouts from base. The seedbank persists from days to 1 year. Plants readily germinate in undisturbed bushland as well as disturbed areas.
Impact on Bushland
Unknown.
Location
Found in the Darling Range and in a few other locations, usually in disturbed areas and roadsides in the South-West Province.
Priority for removal
Low: causes minimal disruption to ecological processes or loss of biodiversity.
Management (hand)
Hand pull or dig out seedlings ensuring removal of all roots.
Management (herbicide)
For mature plants cut and paint with 50% Glyphosate. Read the manufacturers’ labels and material safety data sheets before using herbicides. For optimal treatment it is best to spray between February and August. In other months the herbicide can be sprayed occasionally.
Flowering month/s
January, December
Flower colour/s
White
Information source
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/18320
Additional information
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/weeds/swanweeds/
Hussey, B.M.J., Keighery, G.J., Dodd, J., Lloyd, S.G. and Cousens, R.D. (2007) Western weeds. A guide to the weeds of Western Australia, Second Edition, The Weeds Society of Western Australia, Victoria Park, Western Australia.
