We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Smoke Tree?

By Donn Saylor
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,612
Share

A smoke tree is a small tree or large shrub noted for its smoke-like appearance, which generally sets in just after the tree has reached full bloom. As the pink flowers of the smoke tree begin to die, they take on a wispy look that makes the branches seem immersed in billows of smoke. This tree takes on its smoky facade during the months of June, July, and August and is native to the southwest regions of North America.

Sometimes known as a smoke bush or by its Latin name Cotinus coggygria, the smoke tree is among the types of trees specifically planted for ornamental benefit. It is on the medium end of the size scale, generally growing 10 feet (approximately 3 meters) to 15 feet (about 4.6 meters) in height. Its spread can encompass as much as 12 feet (roughly 3.7 meters) around. Because of its manageable size and unique beauty, smoke trees are a popular choice for borders and gardens.

The leaves of the smoke tree are just as distinctive as the flowers. The leaves are oval-shaped and can grow up to 4 inches (about 10.2 cm) in length. In the early spring months, the leaves take on a turquoise hue before turning deep purple—nearly black—during the summer. By fall, the leaves become fiery shades of orange, yellow, purple, and red, and can stay on the branches long after other trees have lost their foliage. The leaves have bold red veins and are trimmed in scarlet tones.

A smoke tree's flowers grow in bunches. They are situated on the stem in large clusters that have been known to grow more than 12 inches (roughly 30.5 cm) in length. After reaching full blossom, the flowers begin to fade, lending the tree its descriptive moniker.

Proper care is essential for garden trees to maintain their luster and shape. The smoke tree enjoys full sunlight, moist soil, and requires composting in the fall. If the tree is being utilized as a large shrub, it should be pruned once in the spring by trimming the stems to approximately three buds from the base. If it is being grown as a tree, stems growing haphazardly should be removed in late winter or early spring to ensure the strength and sturdiness of the frame.

The smoke tree is not commonly susceptible to diseases or pests. The most reported problems are Verticillium fungi and powder-like mold. The mold is usually found during the summer months when the leaves have taken on a royal purple coloring.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-smoke-tree.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.