Cotoneaster horizontalis is a hardy, low growing almost prostrate shrub with sprays of branches that appear to be tiered.
It has small, oval dark green, slightly hairy leaves that turn bronzy purple in autumn.
It is completely deciduous in colder climates but only partially in more temperate ones.
The flowers are not particularly noteworthy but they do produce splendid flushes of red berries for which it is most famous.
An effective ground cover, especially for otherwise difficult areas.