Family: ROSACEAE
Cotoneasters are a group of shrubs that are members of the rose family. The genus comprises about 50 deciduous and evergreen shrubs, ranging from ground cover to shrubs, some reaching up to 20 m in height. They are all hardy, tolerating minimum care and fairly dry conditions. Most species have arching, thornless branches, grey - green leaves, white flowers and red berries in the autumn. Plants are usually grown from seed, although cutting - grown plants will commence fruiting about 2 years earlier. Cotoneasters can be planted as part of a chicken forage system, as the berries are edible to chooks. They will also act as a lure to parrots, keeping them away from fruit trees.