Shrub
Smokebush, Smoketree
Cotinus coggygria
Features
Tiny flowers held in large, loose, fuzzy clusters in early summer; fruits are small and inconspicuous, but the stalks of the fruit clusters are covered with hairs and give the plant a 'smoky' appearance; leaves are blue green (other colors available on select cultivars); autumn color is a mild yellow-orange at best.
Culture
Full sun; prefers a moist, well-drained soil, but can tolerate dryness; tolerates alkaline soil.
Cultivars
- 'Ancot' (Golden Spirit ™)- yellow leaves in summer, autumn color is orange and red
- 'Nordine' - purple foliage, autumn color is yellow to orange-yellow
- 'Royal Purple' - purple foliage, flower/fruit cluster ('smoke') is also purple; autumn color is red-purple
- 'Velvet Cloak' - purple foliage, autumn color is red-purple
Mature Height
10-12 Feet
(Can attain heights up to 15 feet.)
Size
Medium
Large
Mature Width
10-12 Feet
Mature Form
Upright, loose, open habit.
Native To:
Southern Europe to central China
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 7
Soil Conditions
Dry
Moist, Well-Drained
Tolerance
Alkaline Soil
Dry Sites
Wind
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
Uses
Massing
Screen
Specimen
Foliage Color
Green
Purple
Yellow
Fall Foliage Color
Orange
Purple
Red
Yellow
Pests and Problems
Environmental Damage
Fungal Disease
Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:
San Jose scale insect,occasional leaf spots and Verticillium wilt can occur on this species.
Additional Notes
For cultivars with colored foliage, prune heavily to promote vigorous young stems that will produce vibrantly colored foliage.
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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