Smoke Tree
by Leslie E. Stevens UCCE Master Gardener
Cotinus coggygria ‘Old Fashioned' Smoke Tree
PLANTING ZONE: Sunset Zones 2 – 24/ USDA 4 - 9
SIZE: 12 -15 ft. tall and wide
BLOOM SEASON: Late spring to summer this small purple-leafed tree erupts into delicate lavender-pink puffs, giving rise to its common name, “Smoke Tree”
EXPOSURE: Full Sun
PRUNING NEEDS: Prune in late winter/early spring to maintain well-branched, rounded shape.
WATER NEEDS: Low to moderate water and fast drainage.
NARRATIVE: This deciduous large shrub or small tree is a standout. Its compact size and reddish-purple leaves lend welcome contrast to green landscapes, but its delicate smoky bloomssteal the show. Smoke trees make excellent specimen plants, borders or hedges.
NOTE: Smoke trees come in many types with leaves ranging from bluish green to purple and changing to orange and purple-red in autumn. Typical blooms run pink to lavender, including purple on purple-leafed varieties such as ‘Royal Purple' and ‘Velvet Cloak.'