Prairie Sky Poplar vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) - TreeTime.ca

Prairie Sky Poplar vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

Populus x canadensis Prairie Sky

Cotoneaster lucidus

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Prairie Sky Poplar
Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

Prairie Sky Poplar is a fast-growing columnar hybrid poplar developed at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada's Morden Research Station. It is adaptable to many soil conditions and seems to do best in the southern-most parts of the prairies.

Good as a shade or shelterbelt tree, it is often used in buffer zones as a visual screen or hedge. Ideal for lining properties, roads, etc.

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.

Prairie Sky Poplar Quick Facts

Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 3a
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: may cause stomach upset
Foliage: large, heart-shaped
Foliage: shiny
Fall colour: mix of yellow scarlet, red, purple
Flowers: small, pale pink
Hybrid: yes
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: hedge cotoneaster, shiny leaf cotoneaster