Also known as Common Smoketree · European Smoke Tree · European Smoketree
Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria) is a large, deciduous shrub or small tree known for its dramatic, smoke-like plumes of flowers and colorful foliage in autumn.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Full sun promotes the best flower and foliage color. Tolerates partial shade but may have fewer plumes.
Drought-tolerant once established
25% intensity
Water young plants regularly; allow soil to dry out between waterings for mature plants.
Well-drained, loam, chalk
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a broad range of temperatures, hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Low maintenance
25% intensity
Generally requires no fertilizer. If needed, a light application in spring is sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system. Once established, Smokebush is very drought-tolerant and requires infrequent watering, especially in cooler climates.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering significantly in winter.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges to shape the plant and encourage vigorous flowering. Cut back stems to encourage more branching and fuller growth.
For the characteristic 'smoky' effect, prune lightly after flowering. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Smokebush can be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in mid-summer. It can also be propagated by seed, though this is slower and may not result in plants true to the parent.
Grafting is another method for specific cultivars.
Repotting is rarely necessary for established outdoor plants as they are best left undisturbed. If growing in a container, repot every 2-3 years in early spring into a slightly larger pot.
Use a well-draining potting mix. Ensure good drainage holes in the container.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Cotinus |
| Species | Cotinus coggygria |
Similar in genus Cotinus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
