Although native to the mountains, mixed forests, and open places in western China, it is commonly cultivated in temperate climates worldwide.

[2] The leaves are alternate, simple, long, lanceolate, dark green and resemble those of willow trees (thus the common name), and have fine gray hairs on their undersides.

[4] The fruit grow as small, showy, apple-like, red pomes, ripening in September to October, and enduring into the winter.

[4] Depending on the characteristics of the cultivar, the Willow-leaved Cotoneaster can be used as a hedge or screen; a bank cover; in small groupings or large masses; or anywhere its colorful fall foliage or bright red fruit would direct the eye towards a focal point, or serve as a centerpiece in a garden setting.

[6][7] In parts of Europe where fire blight was previously unknown, cultivated specimens of this species are among the first plants identified as infected.