WSU Clark County Extension
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Autumn Fire Cotoneaster

Scientific name: Cotoneaster salicifolius ‘Autumn Fire’
Taxonomy
Family:Rosaceae
Type:Groundcovers evergreen
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:5 to 9
Sun:Full to partial sun
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:2 ft
Width:6 ft
Bloom:Spring flowers
Bloom Time:May to June
Bloom Color:White
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description This willowleaf cotoneaster variant makes an ideal dense growing groundcover that can serve to hold a steep slope together.

  Morphology:
Autumn Fire cotoneaster is a spreading evergreen semi-woody species that can reach a height of 2’ and a spread of up to 6’. Over time the horizontal stems will arch up and over one another, forming a dense carpet of leaves. The glossy green leaves are wrinkled in texture, and range in length from 1.5”- 3.5”, but are only .5” wide. The underside of the leaves are hairy and are covered by a whitish waxy material. During the winter the leaves take on a reddish purple color.

In May small white flowers appear in 1.5”- 2-inch wide clusters. These latter give rise to bright red berries that only attain a size .25”. These survive well into the fall supplying food for songbirds.

  Adaptation:
Prefers fertile, light textured soils, and either full or partial sun. West of the Cascades this groundcover grows very well forming a good drought tolerant lawn substitute.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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