Smokebush, Smoketree

(Cotinus coggygria `Purpureus')

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf
Height: 10 to 15 feet
Spread: 10 to 15
Shape: Bushy

Leaves are green or purple. After flowering in summer, the remaining fruit clusters create a smokey look.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 4 to 9
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet, moist, or dry
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 6.3

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include border, massing, and specimen plant.

Planting Notes:

Transplants readily because its fibrous root system establishes without difficulty.
Prefers well-drained soil, but tolerates wide range of soil conditions.
Prefers full sun, but tolerates wide range of light conditions.

Care:

Little or no maintenance required.

Problems:

No serious problems.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Cultivars of COTINUS COGGYGRIA:
`Purpureus' (shown) has purple foliage and purplish fruiting plumes.
`Velvet cloak' has dark purple leaves, reddish- purple fall color.

Comments:

This shrub is often used as an accent point in the landscape because of its unusual, plume- like, fruiting panicles.

Additional Materials:

The PRUNING SERIES videotape can be ordered through your local Extension office.
The following Extension publications are available through your local Extension office or directly from: Virginia Tech Extension Distribution Center 112 Landsdowne St. Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-606 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Deciduous Shrubs"

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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