Cotoneaster is a large and diverse genus of trees, shrubs and groundcovers in the rose family. With more than 400 species, Cotoneaster is widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Ornamental species include deciduous and evergreen types with a wide range of size and shape. Flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. In the winter the fruit is attractive to birds. Cotoneaster is a common host for fire blight and hawthorn lace bug is a serious problem on some species.