Cotinus coggygria
smoke tree
A large, bushy, deciduous shrub to 5m, with rounded leaves turning yellow, orange and red in autumn. Large feathery inflorescences are buff at first, later greyish
Other common names
American smoke treeHungarian sumac
see moreIndian sumac
purple fringe
scotino
smoke bush
Turkish sumac
Tyrolean sumac
Venetian sumach
Venus's sumach
wig tree
young fustic
Zante wood
Synonyms
Rhus cotinus
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver | Green | ||
| Autumn | Orange Red Yellow | Brown | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Anacardiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Cotinus are large deciduous shrubs or small trees with simple, obovate leaves often colouring well in autumn, and insignificant flowers borne in large, plumy panicles in summer becoming colourful in fruit
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Europe to C China
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in most well-drained fertile soils in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 1. Responds well to renovative pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), verticillium wilt and powdery mildews in dry conditions
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.