Cotinus coggygria, commonly known as smoketree, is an upright,loose-spreading, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub that is native fromsouthern Europe to central China. It typically matures over time to 10-15’tall and as wide. It gets its common name of smoketree (or smokebush) notfrom the tiny, insignificant, yellowish flowers which appear in branching,terminal panicles (to 6-8” long) in spring, but from the billowy hairs(attached to elongated stalks on the spent flower clusters) which turn asmokey pink to purplish pink in summer, thus covering the tree with fluffy,hazy, smoke-like puffs throughout summer. Bluish green leaves (to 3” long)are ovate to obovate. Fall color is highly variable, but at its bestproduces attractive shades of yellow, orange, andpurplish-red.

Garden Use
Best grown in acidic, organicallyrich, humusy, medium moisture, moisture-retentive but well-drained soils inpart shade. Prefers a sun dappled or high open shade. Morning sun withafternoon shade is also acceptable. Tolerates a fair amount of sun butleaves may scorch in hotter afternoon sun. Plant in a location protectedfrom strong winds. Do not site plants within or near the drip line of treesin the walnut family (most rhododendrons/azaleas are sensitive to toxicjuglones produced by roots of walnuts, butternuts, pecans and hickories).Good soil drainage is essential (plants do not like “wet feet”). Poordrainage inevitably leads to root rot, therefore raised beds/plantingsshould be considered in heavy clay soils. Shallow, fibrous root systems (donot cultivate around plants) will benefit greatly from a mulch (e.g., woodchips, bark or pine needles) to help retain moisture and stabilize soiltemperatures. Roots must never be allowed to dry out. Acidify soils asneeded (plants generally like soil pH in the range of 5.0 to 5.5). Addsulfur or iron sulfate to soils to lower the pH. Add limestone or lime tosoils to raise the pH. Clip off spent flower clusters immediately afterbloom as practicable.