Cotinus spp.
smoketrees
Southern Europe, central Asia, and North America
Overview
Cotinus spp. is a genus of three to seven species of deciduous shrubs and small trees in the family Anacardiaceae, native to southern Europe, central Asia, and North America. Plants reach 8–30 feet (2.4–9 m) tall, with rounded, oval leaves 1.5–6 inches (4–15 cm) long that often turn shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple in fall. Purple-leaved forms of C. coggygria hold maroon foliage through summer. Tiny flowers are borne in large, open, branched clusters 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) long; most flowers fail to set fruit, and their elongated, hairy stalks give the clusters a smoke-like, pink to gray haze through summer. C. coggygria forms a multi-stemmed shrub, while the North American C. obovatus grows into a small tree with larger leaves and stronger fall color. Stems release a resinous sap when cut. Plants tolerate poor, dry soils but are short-lived on heavy, wet ground.
Native Range
Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean east through central Asia to China, and separately to the southeastern and south-central United States. Grows on rocky hillsides, scrub, and open woodland in well-drained, often limestone soils from sea level to about 8,000 feet (2,400 m).Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen shrub, in mixed and shrub borders, and in dry or gravel gardens, spaced 8–12 feet (2.4–3.7 m) apart. Purple-leaved forms are used for foliage contrast, and C. obovatus is grown as a small tree for fall color. Stems and foliage are cut for arrangements.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8' - 30'
Width/Spread8' - 20'
Colors
Bloom Information
Tiny flowers open in early summer, generally June to July, but the visible display comes from the persistent feathery flower stalks that develop afterward. The smoky plumes hold from midsummer into fall, fading from pink to gray-brown. The haze is heaviest on plants pruned lightly or left unpruned.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to grayFoliage Description
green to purple, turning yellow, orange, and red in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight