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Description
Cotinus Coggygria Var. Pubescens is commonly known as the smoke tree. It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and is a deciduous shrub or small tree. The smoke tree gets its name from the pinkish-purple hairs on its flowers, which resemble a cloud of smoke. It is native to southern Europe and western Asia and is widely grown in gardens for its attractive foliage and flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Cotinus |
Appearance
The smoke tree has oval-shaped leaves that are about 2-5 inches long and 1-3 inches wide. The leaves are green in color and turn shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall. The flowers of the smoke tree are small and yellowish-green, but it is the pinkish-purple hairs on the flowers that give the tree its characteristic smoky appearance. The smoke tree can grow up to 15-20 feet tall and wide, but it can also be pruned to maintain a smaller size.
Care Guide
Water
The smoke tree prefers moist, well-drained soil. It should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season and less frequently in the winter.
Fertilization
The smoke tree does not require regular fertilization, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring.
Soil
The smoke tree prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but poorly drained soil should be avoided.
Sunlight
The smoke tree prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not flower as well.
Hardiness Zones
The smoke tree is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The smoke tree is generally pest and disease resistant, but it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and verticillium wilt. Aphids and scale insects can also be a problem, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
The smoke tree is native to southern Europe and western Asia and is widely grown in gardens throughout the world. It prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the smoke tree be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the smoke tree can be grown in a container, but it will require regular watering and fertilization.
Q: When is the best time to prune the smoke tree?
A: The smoke tree should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Q: How often should the smoke tree be fertilized?
A: The smoke tree does not require regular fertilization, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring.
Q: How tall can the smoke tree grow?
A: The smoke tree can grow up to 15-20 feet tall and wide, but it can also be pruned to maintain a smaller size.
Related Plants
- Cotinus obovatus
- Cotinus coggygria
- Cotinus grace
- Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’
References
- “Cotinus coggygria.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279641 (accessed September 5, 2021).
- “Cotinus coggygria.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/12649/Cotinus-coggygria/Details (accessed September 5, 2021).
- “Smoke Tree.” The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/smoke-tree-growing-profile-3269316 (accessed September 5, 2021).
