Smoke Tree 

Brief Description

The Smoke Tree is one of the most unique plants you’ll ever have in your landscape. It received its name from its smoke-like airy seed clusters. The airy seed clusters turn Gold/Yellow or Pink/Purple depending on the variety. In addition, the leaves are reddish purple, which is a contrast to most other shrubs. Depending on your choice, it can be used as a large shrub or small tree. 

Origin

Central Europe to China

Description 

Common Name – Smoke Tree 

Botanical Name – Cotinus Coggygria

Plant Type – Deciduous

Mature Size – 10 to 15 feet tall and wide

Sun Exposure – Full Sun 

Bloom Time – Summer

Flower Color – Pink to Lavender or purplish pink 

Hardiness Zone – 4 to 9 

Planting

Because this can be used as a shrub or small tree, your choice for where to plant it in your landscape gives you options. One recommendation is to give it a prominent location because of how beautiful it is. Once you decide where to put it, it should receive an adequate amount of water during infancy. 

Care

There is very little pruning necessary during the growing season unless you see something ‘wild’ or if you want to make it a tree. In case you want a tree, you can trim all but one central branch and that will eventually turn into the tree’s trunk. Pruning out ⅓ of the Smoke Tree foliage every Winter will promote new growth and thriving flowers. As for watering, pull the emitters out to the base of the canopy because it will force the roots to grow out, thus making it stronger and more drought resistant. 

Flowers 

The flowers are the powerhouse of this shrub. Described as striking, the smoke-like airy seed clusters are between 5 & 10 inches in size and stay in bloom throughout the summer. 

Varieties 

We love all the Smoke Tree varieties!

Invasive

The Smoke Tree is not invasive. 

For other shrubs that are perfectly suited for Greater Prescott, read about the Nandina here.

Lastly, we highly recommend Watter’s Garden Center, Mortimer Nursery, or Prescott Valley Nursery as great places to both purchase shrubs & trees but to also ask questions because these are the experts.