Growing up in Canberra, Australia, we had a row of cotoneasters along the back fence, so I immediately recognised the one in the garden here. Silverleaf Cotoneaster, originally introduced from China as an ornamental plant, features white flowers and red fruits. It has escaped cultivation and is now found in disturbed areas, particularly near residential zones, as well as in undisturbed coastal scrub, grasslands, and forests. Each plant can produce thousands of fruits annually, which are spread by birds, small mammals, water, and human activity. Its Cal-IPC (Invasive Plants Council) rating is Moderate.

The berries are toxic to domestic pets, including dogs and cats, and are not considered safe for human consumption. I’ve read that blackbirds, thrushes and waxwings enjoy the fruit, but I have not observed that for myself — must keep an eye out for birds in the bush!