Family: Rosaceae
Cotoneaster glaucophyllus (glaucous cotoneaster, gray-leaf cotoneaster) is an evergreen shrub to small tree native to parts of Asia. It is commonly grown for its attractive gray-green foliage, small white to pale pink flowers, and bright red berries that add seasonal color. Because it is hardy, adaptable, and responds well to pruning, it has been used in landscaping as an ornamental plant, hedge, or ground cover, and is sometimes planted for erosion control on slopes.
Although Cotoneaster glaucophyllus is currently not known to be naturalized, it possesses several traits that are cause for concern in tropical island ecosystems. The species produces abundant fleshy fruits that are easily spread by birds, tolerates a wide range of environmental conditions, and can grow densely, potentially crowding out native plants if it escapes cultivation. These characteristics could allow it to spread beyond gardens and detrimentally impact native biodiversity over time. To help protect Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems, it is recommended to choose a low-risk or native alternative that offers similar ornamental value without the potential environmental risks.
High Risk Traits:
- Environmental weed
- Host for pests and pathogens
- Causes allergies or toxic to humans
- Fire hazard in ecosystems
- Shade tolerant
- Tolerates various soils
- Forms dense thickets
- Produces viable seed
- Hybridizes naturally
- Self-compatible/apomictic
- Reproduces vegetatively
- Short generative time (1 year)
- Human-dispersed
- Water-dispersed
- Bird-dispersed
- Seeds survive digestion
- Prolific seed production
- Tolerates damage/fire
- Poorly controlled by herbicides
Low Risk Traits:
- Unsuitable for tropical/subtropical climates
- Not a garden/amenity weed
- Not an agricultural/forestry weed
- No spines/thorns/burrs
- Not allelopathic
- Palatable to grazers
- Not toxic to animals
- Not a climbing/smothering plant
- Low accidental dispersal risk
- Not a produce contaminant
- Not wind-dispersed
- Not externally animal-dispersed
