This is quite a large genus of shrubs, ranging from a few trees to some very dwarf and/or prostrate alpines. They have small pink or white flowers, much visited by bees and other insects, and fruits that are usually red, which are valuable food for birds. Most species are evergreen, with shiny, deep green, small leaves, but there are also deciduous species, which tend to have larger, lighter green and less shiny leaves.

Cotoneaster glacialis is a species with masses of white flowers and a compact habit.