''Cotoneaster integrifolius'', the entire-leaved cotoneaster, is a species of '' Cotoneaster'' that is a low growing shrub. It has been grown as an

ornamental plant Ornamental plants or garden plants are plants that are primarily grown for their beauty but also for qualities such as scent or how they shape physical space. Many flowering plants and garden varieties tend to be specially bred cultivars that i ...

in gardens and public rock gardens. It has been introduced to Ireland, but has become naturalised. It produces a red berry-like

pome In botany, a pome is a type of fruit produced by flowering plants in the subtribe Malinae of the family Rosaceae. Well-known pomes include the apple, pear, and quince. Etymology The word ''pome'' entered English in the late 14th century, and re ...

fruit that are an important food source for birds that disperse the seeds in their droppings. They are sometimes grown as a

hedge A hedge or hedgerow is a line of closely spaced shrubs and sometimes trees, planted and trained to form a barrier or to mark the boundary of an area, such as between neighbouring properties. Hedges that are used to separate a road from adjoini ...

for home security. Image:Cotoneaster integrifolius.jpg

References

External links

*
Invasive Alien Species in Northern Ireland
' *
British Database of Invasive Flora and Fauna
' integrifolius Garden plants Bird food plants {{Maleae-stub