Cotoneaster divaricatus

Spreading cotoneaster

Cotoneaster divaricatus is a small, deciduous shrub that can reach heights of 1.5 to 3 metres. The branches are widespread and form a dense structure. The leaves are elliptical to roundish, 1 to 3 cm long, with a smooth surface and a glossy green colour that changes to a bright red or orange colour in autumn. The flowers are small, about 5 mm in diameter, white and appear in clusters of 3 to 6 in late spring. The fruits are bright red berries about 6 mm in diameter that ripen in autumn and often remain on the shrubs into winter. Cotoneaster divaricatus prefers sunny to semi-shady sites and is well established in a wide range of soil types, including poor, dry soils. Its ability to reproduce vegetatively and its attractive appearance have contributed to its widespread use as an ornamental plant, but this has also encouraged its invasive nature.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

Cotoneaster divaricatus can suppress native plant species due to its ability to establish itself in different environments, thereby reducing biodiversity. In addition, the plant can change the structure and function of ecosystems, especially on fallow land and rocky sites.

Damage to health

Many species of Cotoneaster produce berries that can be poisonous to humans and pets if swallowed, but only in larger quantities. Spreading cotoneaster can also cause contact dermatitis.

Region of origin

China

Introduction vectors

Horticulture

Cotoneaster divaricatus has been introduced as a popular ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance and resilience.
Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The rose family (Rosaceae) comprises about 90 genera with about 3000 species. They are distributed worldwide, especially in temperate zones of the northern hemisphere. The family includes annual and perennial herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees. Characteristic are their often five-petalled, radially symmetrical flowers and the diverse fruit forms, which range from aggregate fruits to rose hips. Many species are economically important as fruit, nut and ornamental plants, including apples, pears, cherries, strawberries, raspberries and of course roses.

Climate change

Cotoneaster divaricatus has already filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It benefits from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will increase. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are soil type, road infrastructure, rail infrastructure, precipitation in spring and precipitation in winter.

Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Cotoneaster divaricatus where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here beschrieben.

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.