The very small, petite flowers of the Hedge Cotonester (Cotoneaster lucidus), aka Peking Cotonester, are about the size of a pencil’s eraser tip. This Asian shrub grows as a border hedge of many properties in Chicago. I waited a few weeks, checking often in order to spot a few blooms in an open state to get this image. It seems they have a short bloom cycle; their future black berries will be more noticeable yet equally tiny. Copyright 2023 Pamela BreitbergThe buds of the Hedge Cotonester are prolific, fortelling many berries. Shiny green leaves are its primary reason for choosing as a hedge choice. Also, the shrub is ideal for a Xeriscape garden, requiring little water, making it an easy “green” choice for a property. Copyright 2023 Pamela Breitberg
