Smoke bush
Smoke bush is a common name for *Cotinus coggygria*, a deciduous shrub or small tree in the sumac family.
Smoke bush is a common name for *Cotinus coggygria*, a deciduous shrub or small tree in the sumac family. It is grown mainly as an ornamental plant for its wispy flower clusters that resemble smoke and for its colorful foliage. The plant is native to southern Europe and central Asia, and it is widely cultivated in gardens, including in Canadian gardens where winters are suitable, especially in milder regions and sheltered urban landscapes.
Description
Smoke bush is a deciduous ornamental shrub or small tree known for its plume-like flower structures and seasonal foliage interest. The “smoke” effect comes from fine filaments associated with the flowers rather than from true smoke. Leaves are often green, purple, or yellow depending on the cultivar, and many varieties have strong fall color.
Taxonomy and names
The species most often meant by smoke bush is *Cotinus coggygria*, which belongs to the Anacardiaceae family (sumac/cashew family). Common names include smokebush, smoketree, and Venetian sumach. The name “smoke bush” also applies to related *Cotinus* species, including the North American *Cotinus obovatus*.
Cultivation
The plant grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, and it tolerates dry or rocky conditions once established. Pruning practices can influence whether it develops as a shrub or a small tree. Smoke bush is drought-tolerant once established and prefers sunny, well-drained sites. It is typically hardy in USDA zones 4–8, sometimes broader in cultivation.
Range and horticultural use
*Cotinus coggygria* is native to southern Europe to central Asia and the Himalayas, but it is widely planted in temperate gardens around the world. It is used as a specimen plant, in shrub borders, and in low-maintenance landscapes. In Canada, it is commonly grown as an ornamental shrub where winters are suitable, especially in milder regions and sheltered urban landscapes.
Key facts
- The plant is valued for its airy flower clusters, which create a smoky appearance.
- Leaves are often green, purple, or yellow depending on the cultivar, and many varieties have strong fall color.
- It is usually grown as a large shrub, but it can be trained as a small tree.
- Smoke bush is drought-tolerant once established and prefers sunny, well-drained sites.
- The name “smoke bush” also applies to related *Cotinus* species, including the North American *Cotinus obovatus*.
Smoke bush is commonly grown in Canadian gardens as an ornamental shrub where winters are suitable, especially in milder regions and sheltered urban landscapes.
Frequently asked questions
What is smoke bush?
Why is it called smoke bush?
Is smoke bush a tree or a shrub?
Where is smoke bush native to?
What conditions does smoke bush prefer?
Is smoke bush the same as American smoketree?
References
- Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service — https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/smokebush-8-3-07.aspxSupports: Common name, growth habit, native range, size, hardiness, and sun requirements.
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cotinus-coggygria/Supports: Taxonomy, family, native range, growth habit, flower appearance, and foliage characteristics.
- Virginia Cooperative Extension — https://pubs.ext.vt.edu/2901/2901-1068/2901-1068.htmlSupports: Plant form, foliage traits, flowering description, and landscape use.
- University of Connecticut Plant Database — https://plantdatabase.uconn.edu/detail.php?pid=133Supports: Scientific name, common name, native range, and hardiness.
- Garden.org — https://garden.org/learn/articles/view/223/Smoke-Bush/Supports: General ornamental characteristics, hardiness range, and cultural preferences.