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Smoke Bush, Smoke Tree
Cotinus coggygria

Climate Resiliency 3 out of 5 stars

An upright, loose formed multi-stemmed shrub or small tree. Prefers somewhat loamy soils, but also does well in rocky soils. Good drainage is a must. Clusters of small cream to yellow flowers are insignificant. It is the pink to purple, billowy plumes which appear as any unfertilized flowers fade that are ornamental and give this plant its common name. Flowers are seldom fertilized and fruits are insignificant. The generic Smoke Tree has rounded to oval, waxy blue-green leaves. Numerous cultivars are available. Cultivar plumes come in a range of pinks and purples. General foliage colors for cultivars include purple and green, dark red-purple, and even golden. Autumn color is highly variable from plant to plant, but can be ornamental. Works well as a specimen plant, a small patio tree, or a large shrub border or screen. Does best with a little afternoon shade and some extra water in our area. Trim for shape in late winter or early spring. Accepts being cut back hard, but blooms with decrease significantly if this is done often.

• Plant type: Shrub, Tree
• Maintenance level: Medium
• Water requirement: Medium, Low
• Sun exposure: Full, Part Sun
• Height range: 14–16 Feet
• Width range: 14–16 Feet
• Canopy value: 133 ft²
• Growth rate: Slow
• Seasonal habit: Deciduous
• Flower color: Pink, Yellow, White, Purple
• Flower season: Spring, Summer, Autumn
• Fruit color: Brown
• Fruit season: Autumn
• General foliage color: Blue, Red, Purple, Green
• Fall foliage color: Orange, Yellow, Red, Purple
• Design style: Patio Plant
• Hardiness cold tolerance: -30 °F
• Soil preference: Rocky, Well Drained
• Native location: Southern Europe to central China
• PH preference: Neutral, Not Particular
• Sunset zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
• USDA hardiness zone: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b

Plant characteristic definitions