dark-seed cotoneaster
Cotoneaster laxiflorus
Dark-seed cotoneaster (Cotoneaster laxiflorus) is a deciduous shrub native to the Himalayan region, characterized by its loose clusters of small white or pink flowers and distinctive dark-colored berries. This medium-sized shrub typically grows 2-4 meters tall with oval leaves that turn reddish in autumn, and serves as an important food source for birds and small mammals in its native mountain ecosystems.
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Jerzy Opioła, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Rosales
Family
Rosaceae
Genus
Cotoneaster
dark-seed cotoneaster belongs to the family Rosaceae, order Rosales, within the Magnoliopsida class.
Species Profile
Dark-seed cotoneaster (Cotoneaster laxiflorus) is a deciduous shrub native to the Himalayan region, characterized by its loose clusters of small white or pink flowers and distinctive dark-colored berries. This medium-sized shrub typically grows 2-4 meters tall with oval leaves that turn reddish in autumn, and serves as an important food source for birds and small mammals in its native mountain ecosystems.
Dark-seed cotoneaster faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural expansion and infrastructure development in its native range. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the montane conditions this species requires, while overgrazing by livestock degrades its specialized habitat.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Rocky slopes, cliff faces, and open montane shrublands typically between 2,000-4,000m elevation in the Himalayan region. The species favors well-drained, alkaline soils on steep terrain with sparse vegetation cover.
Threats
Habitat loss from agricultural expansion
Infrastructure development and urbanization
Climate change impacts on montane ecosystems
Overgrazing by livestock
Collection for horticultural trade
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). dark-seed cotoneaster (Cotoneaster laxiflorus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/dark-seed-cotoneaster