Acute Willow vs Hedge Cotoneaster (Shiny Cotoneaster) - TreeTime.ca

Acute Willow vs Hedge Cotoneaster (Shiny Cotoneaster)

Cotoneaster lucidus

Salix acutifolia

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2027)

Hedge Cotoneaster (Shiny Cotoneaster)
Acute Willow

The Hedge Cotoneaster (Shiny 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 Hedge 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.

Acute Willow is a very fast growing small tree that can reach growth rates of up to 6 feet per year. It's a great choice for developing a quick, hardy shelterbelt, windbreak, or privacy screen.

Acute Willow will grow multi-stemmed but can be pruned to a single stem for a smaller footprint. It prefers moist areas and requires almost no maintenance.

Willows 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.

Hedge Cotoneaster (Shiny Cotoneaster) Quick Facts

Acute Willow Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $1.49 - SAVE UP TO 57%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 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: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: may cause stomach upset

Foliage: shiny
Foliage: long slender leaves
Fall colour: mix of yellow scarlet, red, purple
Bark: younger branches are bright brown-red
Flowers: small, pale pink
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


In row spacing: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: hedge cotoneaster, shiny leaf cotoneaster
Other Names: acute leaf willow, acute leafed willow, long-leaved violet willow, sharp-leaf willow