In the past, it was included within the widespread eastern European Cotoneaster integerrimus, but differs from that in genetic profile.

The leaves are oval-pointed, 1–4 centimetres (0.39–1.57 in) long, green and thinly pubescent above, densely so below and on the leaf margin, with white hairs.

[1][2] Cotoneaster cambricus is critically endangered, with only six known plants in the wild, which do not regenerate naturally.

This number has been supplemented in recent years by a further 11 cultivated plants, grown from cuttings and seeds.

They also face competition from invasion seedlings of other species of Cotoneaster taken from cultivated plants in gardens in nearby towns.