Smoketree (Cotinus coggygria)

Also known as: Smoke Bush, Venetian-Sumac, Wigtree, Young fustig, Hungarian Sumac, Purple Fringe

The smoketree (Cotinus coggygria) is a deciduous shrub native to Southern Europe and Central China. It is renowned for its distinctive, long-lasting clusters of pinkish-purple flowers that create a smoky effect when in bloom. In China, the smoketree is especially valued for its vibrant autumn foliage, which turns striking shades of red. This makes it a popular choice for fall decorations and ornamental landscaping.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Smoketree

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub, Tree

Plant Height

3 m to 7 m

Spread

4 m

Leaf Color

Green Red Yellow Orange Blue Purple

Flower Size

5 mm to 1 cm

Flower Color

Yellow Green Pink Red

Images of Smoketree

Quickly Identify Smoketree

Purplish simple leaves with parallel veins, transitioning from green to reddish-purple.

Wispy pink hairs on yellow flowers in smoky pink panicles, creating a cloudlike appearance.

Inconspicuous kidney-shaped drupes, around 0.2 inches (5 mm) in size, blending into foliage.

Multistemmed, slender yet sturdy stems, around 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) thick, with numerous lenticels.

Trunk transitions from smooth light gray bark to textured ridges and furrows as it matures.

Scientific Classification of Smoketree

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Maples, mangos, mahogany, citrus, and allies

Family

Cashew

Genus

Smoketrees

Species

Smoketree

Planting and Growing of Smoketree

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Smoketree?

Cotinus coggygria benefits from thorough watering, saturating the soil deeply with around 500 milliliters per session. Ensure water reaches the root zone but avoid pooling to maintain balance.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Smoketree? ›

What should I do if my Smoketree is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Smoketree? ›

How to save an overwatered Smoketree? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Smoketree?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours

Cotinus coggygria's optimal light range is full sun to partial sun, specifically benefiting from morning sunlight or afternoon shade. Adequate light promotes lush growth and vibrant coloring.

How much sunlight does Cotinus coggygria need? ›

What are the solutions to provide ideal lighting? ›

What benefits come from achieving ideal lighting? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Smoketree?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

For optimal growth, Cotinus coggygria thrives within temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. This range supports the plant’s physiological processes, ensuring active growth and vibrant foliage. Providing this consistent temperature allows the plant to flourish in both indoor and outdoor settings, promoting healthy blooms and rich coloring in its characteristic foliage.

What Soil is Best for Smoketree?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Cotinus coggygria thrives in well-drained soil. This type of soil prevents water from pooling around the roots, which can lead to root rot. A well-drained substrate ensures that the plant's roots receive adequate oxygen, promoting healthy growth and vibrant foliage. While Cotinus coggygria does not demand extremely nutrient-rich soil, moderate fertility provides essential nutrients that sustain growth and floral production. The balance of nutrients ensures the plant's resilience and longevity in garden environments. Aeration is crucial for Cotinus coggygria as it ensures that the plant's roots receive sufficient oxygen. Good soil aeration prevents compaction, supports healthy root development, and enhances nutrient uptake, contributing to the overall health of the plant.

How to Fertilize Smoketree?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Cotinus coggygria requires moderate amounts of fertilizer to thrive. For liquid fertilizers, dilute a balanced 10-10-10 formula to half strength and apply about one liter per plant, ensuring soil is moist before application to prevent root burn. For slow-release fertilizers, use a handful (approximately 30 grams) sprinkled evenly in the soil around the base of the plant.

How to Prune Smoketree?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start by identifying any dead, damaged, or diseased wood, which should be removed first. Next, look for crossing branches, keeping in mind the natural shape of the plant and aiming for an open structure. For flowering Cotinus coggygria, cut back last year's growth by about one-third to encourage better blooms. Always cut just above a bud that faces outward, as this promotes a desirable growth pattern. To maintain its appealing shape, trim overgrown branches to a desired length. Stand back periodically and assess the shape of the plant to ensure a balanced appearance.

How to Propagate Smoketree plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Collect seeds from the mature Cotinus coggygria plant in late autumn. Clean them thoroughly by removing any pulp. Store them in a cool, dry place until early spring when they can be sown.

Select a healthy stem with several nodes during early spring. Cut the stem using sharp pruning shears at an angle to increase the surface area for rooting. Remove any leaves from the lower nodes.

For layering propagation, bend a low branch to the ground without detaching it from the parent plant. Cover a section with soil and place a weight on it to maintain contact until roots develop.

How to Repot Smoketree plant?

Repotting frequency: Every two to three years

Repot your Cotinus coggygria when you notice slowed growth, roots coming out of the drainage holes, or the soil drying out unusually fast. These signs indicate that the plant has outgrown its current pot and requires more space for healthy growth.

Select a pot that is one to two inches larger in diameter than the current pot. A pot with proper drainage holes is crucial to avoid waterlogged soil. This new space allows roots to expand, increasing access to nutrients and promoting robust, healthy growth. Ensure the new pot is made of a breathable material like terracotta.

Opt for well-draining sandy loam soil enriched with organic matter. This type of soil ensures adequate drainage, preventing root rot while retaining essential nutrients to support the vigorous growth of your plant. It offers a balanced environment, catering to the plant's moisture and nutrient needs efficiently.

Toxicity of Smoketree

Is Smoketree toxic to humans?

Every component of the smoketree is poisonous if consumed. Products such as extracts, tinctures, essential oils, and others derived from the smoketree can be lethal when ingested. Furthermore, the sap of the plant is harmful to humans upon physical contact. Interaction with the sap typically results in dermatitis, which is a condition of skin irritation that may be intense and distressing. The occurrence of poisoning from the smoketree is often due to unintentional contact.

Is Smoketree toxic to cat?

Smoketree presents a mild toxicity risk to cats when consumed in substantial amounts. Every part of this plant is deemed toxic, potentially resulting in discomforting symptoms in felines. It is vital for cat owners to supervise their pets and prevent them from nibbling or ingesting any part of the smoketree. If a cat shows signs of illness after consuming smoketree, seeking immediate veterinary attention is crucial to manage potential health concerns and to ensure proper care.

Is Smoketree toxic to dog?

Smoketree presents a moderate toxicity risk to dogs. Although the plant is not highly toxic, large amounts ingested can result in negative effects. Any part of the smoketree is considered toxic, meaning dogs can be poisoned by eating it. Symptoms like gastrointestinal upset or other mild clinical signs may emerge if a dog consumes smoketree. It is essential for dog owners to keep a close watch on their pets and restrict their access to smoketree to prevent any chance of poisoning. Should a dog ingest smoketree, prompt veterinary attention is crucial to ensure effective treatment and management of any symptoms.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.