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Cotinus coggygria 'Ancot'
golden spirit smoke tree
Species native to southern Europe, central Asia, and northern China (Mediterranean basin to northern China); cultivar selected in the Netherlands
Overview
Cotinus coggygria 'Ancot' (marketed as Golden Spirit®) is a medium upright to rounded deciduous shrub or small tree in the cashew family (Anacardiaceae spp.) reaching 8–12 feet (2.4–3.6 m) tall with a spread of 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m). The cultivar carries bright golden-yellow to lime-green foliage through the growing season, reversing the color pattern of the more-familiar purple-leaved Cotinus spp. selections. Leaves are rounded to obovate 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) long, emerging bright gold in spring, maturing to chartreuse-gold through summer, and turning vivid orange, coral, and red in fall — a multi-season foliage progression that carries ornamental value from March emergence through November leaf drop. Loose feathery panicles of tiny yellowish-green flowers open in June–July; the spent flower stalks elongate into billowing wispy pinkish-tan smoke plumes that persist into fall. The smoke effect reads lighter on this gold-foliaged cultivar than on purple-leaved selections such as 'Royal Purple', where the dark foliage intensifies the visual contrast with the plumes. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 5. The golden foliage is prone to scorch in hot-climate full sun; afternoon shade in zones 7–8 reduces bleaching and edge-burn. Poor rocky soil and established drought are tolerated, matching the Mediterranean and central-Asian origin of the species.
Native Range
The species Cotinus coggygria is native to southern Europe, from the Mediterranean basin east through central Asia to northern China. The cultivar 'Ancot' was selected in the Netherlands.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and foundation plantings at 5–8 foot (1.5–2.4 m) spacing. The golden foliage anchors mixed borders as a bright focal mass when surrounded by green and purple companion plants. The multi-season color progression (gold spring → chartreuse summer → orange-coral-red fall) reduces the need for seasonal companion rotations around this specimen. Xeriscape and Mediterranean-style garden styles match the drought-tolerance profile of the species. Pairing with purple-leaved smoke trees such as 'Royal Purple' produces a gold-and-purple foliage contrast composition within a single genus. Container culture works in 10 gallon (38 L) or larger pots with drainage. Heavy wet clay soils are not suitable given the verticillium wilt sensitivity; the species requires drainage to avoid the disease.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8' - 12'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Loose feathery panicles of tiny yellowish-green flowers open in June–July. Spent flower stalks elongate into billowing wispy pinkish-tan smoke plumes that persist into fall. The smoke effect reads lighter on this gold-foliaged cultivar than on purple-leaved selections where the dark foliage produces stronger visual contrast with the plumes. Bloom duration is 2–3 weeks; the smoke plume display persists 8–12 weeks into early fall.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Yellowish-green panicles developing into wispy pinkish-tan smoke plumesFoliage Description
Bright golden-yellow emerging, maturing to chartreuse-gold; rounded to obovate 2-3 inches long; vivid orange, coral, and red in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to partial shade in average to poor well-drained soil at pH 5.5–7.5, tolerating loam, sand, and rocky substrates. Hardy to zone 5. Lean poor soil produces more compact growth habit and stronger fall color than rich moist soil; fertile soils drive leggy weak growth with reduced fall color intensity. Established plants tolerate drought. Alkaline soils are tolerated. The golden foliage scorches in hot afternoon sun — in zones 7–8, afternoon shade positions hold the foliage color without edge-burn. Heavy pruning reduces the smoke plume display because flowers form on older wood; the coppicing approach used on purple-leaved selections for foliage-only effect applies here only if the gardener accepts the loss of smoke plumes for that season. Verticillium wilt can develop in heavy wet soils; drainage is the primary disease-prevention factor. No other serious pest or disease problems.Pruning
Minimal pruning for the smoke effect. Dead or damaged branches are removed in late winter. Hard coppicing in early spring drives vigorous large-leaved growth but eliminates smoke plumes for that season; this approach is used only when foliage is the primary goal. Smoke plume retention requires older wood; pruning that removes 2+ year wood reduces or eliminates the plume display.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons