Cotoneaster lacteus

Cotoneaster_lacteus_milkflower cotoneaster_JM DiTomaso
Photo: Joseph DiTomaso

Synonyms: Cotoneaster parneyi

Common names: milkflower Cotoneaster; Parney's Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster lacteus (Parney’s Cotoneaster) is an evergreen shrub (family Rosaceae) found along the central and north coast of California. Parney’s Cotoneaster, which has white flowers and red fruits, was introduced from China as an ornamental plant, and has escaped cultivation. It is found in disturbed places, especially near residential sites, as well as undisturbed coastal scrub, grassland and forests. Each plant can produce thousands of fruits every year, which are distributed by birds, small mammals, water movement and human activities. Mechanical removal of the shrubs can provide good control, but follow-up is needed, as the plants may resprout from the roots.

Cal-IPC Rating: Moderate?

CDFA Rating: None?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Weed Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

Other Cotoneaster lacteus Information

  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Cotoneaster lacteus_flowering_JM DiTomaso
    Cotoneaster lacteus (milkflower Cotoneaster) flowering. Photo: JM DiTomaso
    Cotoneaster lacteus_infestation_copyright_2009_NealKramer
    Cotoneaster lacteus (milkflower Cotoneaster) infestation. Photo: &#169 2009 Neal Kramer