Black Hills Spruce vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

Black Hills Spruce is a subspecies of White Spruce native to the Black Hills of South Dakota. It has a strongly conical form, slower growth rate and denser foliage than typical white spruce, making it preferable as a specimen tree for smaller suburban lawns. It also responds well to pruning, and can be used as a hedge or even bonsai.

The Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) is a dense, deciduous shrub that gets its name from the glossy dark green leaves that turn an eye-catching mix of red and purple in the fall.
It produces small, pink flowers in spring and by late summer they are followed by red berries that ripen to black. This plant is great for attracting wildlife as it is loved by both birds and butterflies.

While the Shiny Cotoneaster does produce berries, they are inedible to humans. This plant takes pruning and shearing well, making it easy to shape to your liking and is a great choice for a hedge or privacy screen in your yard.

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