Smoke Bush

Cotinus coggygria Scop.

Smoke Bush is a unique shrub that has fluffy, smoke-like flowers. It adds a magical touch to gardens!

Habitat: Sunny gardens

Appearance

The Smoke Bush has distinctive airy, feathery plumes of tiny flowers that create a hazy, smoke-like appearance, often in shades of pink, purple, or creamy white. Its oval leaves can be vibrant green or deep maroon, turning brilliant orange-red in autumn.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTRACHEOPHYTAClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSAPINDALESFamilyANACARDIACEAEGenusCotinus

Smoke Bush

Interesting facts

It's a cousin to poison ivy, but usually much friendlier!

Its 'smoke' is actually feathery hairs on old flower clusters!

Some varieties boast leaves so dark they appear almost black!

The unique wood inside can be used to make yellow dye!

Special abilities

Smoke Bush grows fuzzy flower stalks that look like puffs of smoke to attract insects and help spread its tiny seeds!

Smoke Bush can change its green or purple leaves into fiery shades of orange, red, and scarlet as autumn arrives!

Smoke Bush has tough roots and leaves that help it survive in dry, sunny places where other plants struggle.

Measurements & details

Height: 300-700 cm
Spread: 300-700 cm
Flower Size: 0.3-0.5 cm
Bloom Season: Late Spring to Mid-Summer
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.

pollinates

Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

Important pollinator for its tiny flowers.

eats

Common Rosefinch

Carpodacus erythrinus

Consumes its small, dry fruit-like seeds.

shelters

European Hamster

Cricetus cricetus

Provides cover from predators and weather.

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Shrub

These amazing plants are like nature's bushy sculptures, having woody stems that branch out from the ground to create a lovely, full shape.

Spring Blooming

Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with these cheerful plants that burst into beautiful flowers as spring awakens the world.

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!