Yunnan Province, China
"In a recent national survey, Cotoneaster species were highlighted as plants much visited by bumble bees, often receiving hundreds of visits per 'bee walk'. They are of acknowledged value as nectar sources for honey bees, particularly because they provide forage during the dearth period of May and June." [2]
"In the winter the fruit is attractive to birds." [3]
"Several species are commonly planted in gardens, parks and roadsides." [2]
"The genus Cotoneaster includes 95 shrubby species that are amongst the most widely used ornamental shrubs because of their diversity of form and the beauty of their flowers and fruits. However, the spread of fire blight (caused by Erminia amylovora) has led rapidly to a dramatic fall in nursery production since 1982 and to quarantine rules that forbid the planting of certain very susceptible genotypes." [1]
[1] Monier, C., Bossis, E., Chabanet, C., & Samson, R. (1998). Different bacteria can enhance the micropropagation response of Cotoneaster lacteus (Rosaceae). Journal of Applied Microbiology, 85(6), 1047-1055.
[2] Corbet, S. A., & Westgarth-Smith, A. (1992). Cotoneaster for bumble bees and honey bees. Journal of Apicultural Research, 31(1), 9-14.
[3] Thurn, M., Lamb, E., & Eshenaur, B. (2018). Cotoneaster.
