Cotoneaster is a genus of shrubs and small trees native to parts of Europe, Asia and North Africa. Outside of its native range, however, cotoneaster has become established as an invasive species outcompeting and replacing native vegetation. The cotoneaster shrub pictured here was found by an Inis Ecologist carrying out ecological survey work in north County Cork.
In Ireland, where it was first reported in the 1960s the spread of cotoneaster is now a problem mainly on habitats such as cliffs, rock outcrops and on blanket bog. The berries are attractive to birds allowing its seed to be spread far and wide in their droppings.
