Cotinus coggygria aka Smoketree
Taxonomy ID: 5137
Cotinus coggygria, also known as smoke bush or smoke tree, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is native to Eurasia and is sometimes referred to as Venetian sumach or dyer's sumach. The plant has an upright, multi-stemmed habit and can be grown as a garden specimen. It is popular for its beautiful purple-pink smokey plumes and purple leaves found on some cultivars. The leaves are ovate in shape, waxy green, and turn yellow, orange, or purplish-red in fall depending on the variety. The name "smoke bush" comes from the billowy hairs attached to the flower clusters, which turn a smoky pink to purplish-pink over time. Smoke bush is dioecious, meaning it has staminate and pistillate flowers borne on different individuals. 'Royal Purple' smoketree, a cultivar of Cotinus coggygria, is a large shrub or small tree with a compact growth habit and showy purple leaves. It was introduced to the United States in 1953, originating from Boskoop, Holland.
Common names
Smoketree, Smoke Bush, Fustet, SmokebushMore information about Smoketree
How difficult is it to take care of Smoketree
Smoketree is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
What is the growth pattern and size of Smoketree?
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
What is the region of origin of Smoketree
Smoketree’s native range is S. Europe to W. Asia.
What are the water needs for Smoketree
Smoketree should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Smoketree
Smoketree loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Smoketree
To ensure optimal growth, the Smoketree prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
How to fertilize Smoketree
The growth of Smoketree is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.
Is Smoketree toxic to humans/pets?
Smoketree is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
More info:
Wikipedia
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