Cotoneaster dammeri is a genus of flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae, native to the Palaearctic region (temperate Asia, Europe, north Africa), with a strong concentration of diversity in the genus in the mountains of southwestern China and the Himalayas. Depending on the species definition used, there are between 70 to 300 different species of cotoneaster. The majority of species are shrubs from 0.5–5 metres (1.6–16 ft) tall.
The shoots are dimorphic, with long shoots (10–40 centimetres) producing structural branch growth, and short shoots (0.5–5 centimetres) bearing the flowers; this pattern often developing a 'herringbone' form of branching. The flowers are produced in late spring through early summer, solitary or in corymbs of up to 100 together. The flower is either fully open or has its five petals half open 5–10 millimetres in diameter. They may be any shade from white through creamy white to light pink to dark pink to almost red. The fruit is a small pome 5–12 millimetres in diameter, pink or bright red, orange or even maroon or black when mature, containing one to three seeds. Fruit on some species stays on until the following year.
Cotoneaster species are used as larval food plants by some Lepidoptera species including Grey Dagger, Mottled Umber, Short-cloaked Moth, Winter Moth. The flowers attract bees and butterflies and the fruits are eaten by birds. The red berries are also highly attractive to blackbirds and other thrushes.
Cotoneasters are very popular garden shrubs, grown for their attractive habit and decorative fruit. Many species have escaped from cultivation and become invasive weeds where climatic conditions are suitable for them.