Peking Cotoneaster vs Golden Willow - TreeTime.ca

Peking Cotoneaster vs Golden Willow

Cotoneaster acutifolia

Salix alba vitellina

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

(new stock expected: fall of 2027)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Peking Cotoneaster
Golden Willow

Peking Cotoneaster is a medium-sized shrub that is well adapted to colder climates. Best suited for use as a hedge, Peking Cotoneaster has dark green foliage that turns a stunning reddish orange in the fall.

Hardy fruit guru, Bernie Nikolai (DBG Fruit Growers), has started to recommend grafting hardy pear varieties to Peking Cotoneaster after his experiences were successful and produced fruit faster than other rootstocks. Remember to leave some nurse limbs if you try this.

Golden Willow is an attractive accent tree that's perfectly suited for those moist or wet areas on your property.

This fast growing tree has glossy narrow leaves that turn gold in fall, furrowed brown bark and showy gold branches that especially stand out in the winter.

Golden Willow is commonly used for windbreaks, shelterbelts, and ornamental planting. In addition to looking great, Golden Willow attracts a variety of birds and mammals with its twigs and buds.

All willow are important to native pollinators each spring as they have higher amounts of pollen and nectar early each growing season when other food sources are scarce.

Note: do not plant near buildings or buried services.

Peking Cotoneaster Quick Facts

Golden Willow Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: glossy upper surface
Fall colour: reddish-orange
Fall colour: golden yellow
Bark: bright yellow
Flowers: white, spring
Berries: black fruit
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes

In row spacing: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)

In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: basket willow, blue willow, cricket bat willow, duck willow, velvet osier, white osier, white willow