Cotoneaster salicifolius var. rugosus

Planted: 1922

To be found between the western end of the Central Path and the northern end of the Viburnum Walk

Distribution:	Native to mixed forests, and open places in western China. It is commonly cultivated in temperate climates worldwide. Cultivars have been bred in a variety of forms.
Planting Date:	1931, purchased from James Smith, Tansley, Matlock, Derbyshire
Growth Habit:	Evergreen to semi-evergreen, low-lying, small to medium-sized shrub with an arched branching habit. Specimens growing in the wild are larger.
Bark:	Gray-brown, its stemsare thin, and its root system is sparse.
Leaf:	Alternate, simple, long, lanceolate, dark green and resemble those of willow trees and have fine gray hairs on their undersides. Up to 7.5 cm long and 3.5 cm wide, the veins numbering six to ’ twelve pairs. During colder months, they turn maroon.
Flowers:	In June, it bears many flowers, compound corymbs of white, 5 to 6 mm.
Fruit:	Small, showy, coral red pomes, ripening in September to October, and enduring into the winter. Usually contain 2 stones.
Toxicity:	Berries toxic to humans. However no detrimental effects to birds that eat and disperse the berries.
Potential tree size	Up to 5m, in the wild
Uses:	Ornamental
Plant Hunter:	Introduced by Ernest Henry Wilson (1876 – 1930) from western Hupeh province, China.
Introduction Date:	1907
Anecdotes and Comments:	The scientific name ‘salicifolius’ means ‘with leaves like willows’.