Canada Plum & American Plum vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) - TreeTime.ca

Canada Plum & American Plum vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

Cotoneaster lucidus

Prunus nigra and americana

Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)
Canada Plum & American Plum

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.

Canada and American Plum are almost identical in appearance and growth needs. These plants are short and stout fruit trees native to North America.

This hardy ornamental is excellent for both city dwellings as well as rural areas. During the spring, the white and pink blossoms are long lasting. The tasty fruit is suitable for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. These trees are not widely distributed and pure seed can be hard to come by.

Both are commonly used as rootstock and are considered universal pollinizers for other plum varieties.

Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) Quick Facts

Canada Plum & American Plum Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 2b
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: may cause stomach upset

Foliage: shiny
Fall colour: mix of yellow scarlet, red, purple
Fall colour: attractive yellow, gold
Bark: grey and scaly with age
Flowers: small, pale pink
Flowers: white
Fruit: under 1 inch round yellow fruits with red blush to completely red, tart skin with sweet flesh
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: MB, ON, QC, NB
Other Names: hedge cotoneaster, shiny leaf cotoneaster
Other Names: american plum, black plum, canada plum, horse plum, wild plum