Cotinus coggygria (Smoke Tree) is a cold-hardy shrub that is native to a wide region stretching from southern Europe to central China. The Smoke Tree is mainly grown as ornamental and provides an Autumn show with its multi-coloured leaves. During Autumn the leaves can turn purple, yellow, red, and orange. Smoke trees make a handsome feature tree or can be grown as a hedge or screening plant.
Smoke trees are hardy to around -20°C / -4°F.
Other common names include European Smoketree, Wig Tree, Smoketree, Venetian Sumach, Smokebush and Rhus cotinus.
Growth
Cotinus coggygria is a multi-branching shrub that by training the branches can reach heights of up to 6 metres (20 feet). Otherwise, its habit can be random and often appears as an overgrown bush. Smoke Trees are attractive for all four seasons and can tolerate a wide range of conditions.
Germination is challenging. The seeds are hard and require a two-step stratification method prior to sowing. In the wild, the seeds can randomly sprout over several winters as an insurance against fires.
Smoke trees get their name from tiny little hairs which replace the pollinated flowers. These hairs tend to cluster and turn a hazy pink and slightly purple colour over the summer. The glossy leaves in Autumn start changing colours and is the reason Smoke Trees are popular in nurseries around the world.
Plants are slow to establish but are then quite fast growing when young though they slow down with age. It can take the shrub 3-5 years to reach a flowering age. If seeds are required, multiple plants will need to be grown because they require a male and female to cross-pollinate. It is impossible to know from the seed which sex the plant will become.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Anacardiaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Mediterranean, Sub Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-20 to 28°C / -4 to 82°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining soil. Tolerant of most soil types.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade. Less autumn colour in the shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 6 metres (20 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 4 metres (14 feet)
pH:
4.5-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Bees, Insects.
MATURITY:
3-5 years
GERMINATION RATES:
70-80%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-6 months (See Germination Instructions)
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium +
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 95 seeds
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT COTINUS COGGYGRIA (Smoke Tree)
Although its name is Smoke ‘Tree’ it is actually a shrub that can be trained/pruned to grow as a tree and is commonly grown as an ornamental.
The Genus name comes from the Greek word kotinus meaning olive. The specific epithet comes from the Greek word kokkugia meaning smoke tree.
