Cotoneaster racemiflorus aka Racemose Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster racemiflorus belongs to the rose family, Rosaceae. It comes from the eastern Mediterranean, Central Asia and the Himalaya. It grows in temperate regions, including thickets on stony slopes. Habitat records reach 7,874 feet [2,400 metres] in Kashmir. Black-wood is one of its common names. PFAF describes it as a deciduous shrub with moderate growth. Its stated garden height is about 8 feet [2.4 metres]. Kew also records a tree growth form for this species.

The flowers open from May to June. Each flower has both male and female parts. Flies and midges carry pollen between the flowers. Bees also visit them, and the plant attracts wildlife. At close range, the flowers have an unpleasant, fish-like smell. Plants in shade bear less fruit than those in sun. The fruit provides a rose-tan dye. The evidence gives no species-level details on leaf shape or fruit colour.

This shrub grows in full sun or partial shade. It suits a woodland garden or a partly shaded edge. It accepts sandy, loamy and heavy clay soils. Rich soil suits it, but poor ground can also work. Soil may range from mildly acid to very alkaline. It grows in lime-rich ground and in peaty soil. Good drainage matters more than soil richness. Avoid marshy sites and soil that stays waterlogged. It accepts both dry and moist ground. It also tolerates air pollution and strong winds.

PFAF reports cold tolerance down to about −13°F [−25°C]. It lists USDA hardiness zones 3–7 and describes cultivation as easy. The wood has a use in basket making. The plant also yields a sweet substance called shir-khist. This manna-like material contains sugars, including sucrose and dextrose. The source does not confirm which part produces it. Its suggestion that the stem supplies it remains uncertain. This edible use does not establish that the fruit is edible.

PFAF records medicinal uses as a laxative and expectorant. It also records use for stomach complaints. These reports do not establish treatment safety or effectiveness. The source lists no known hazards or weed potential. That does not prove safety for people or pets. The species crosses freely with other cotoneasters. Seed from garden plants may therefore fail to breed true.