# Smoke Tree (*Cotinus coggygria Scop.*)

The Smoke Tree is a beautiful tree with fluffy, smoke-like flowers. It grows tall and provides shade on sunny days.

- **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Snaps:** 1
- **Habitat:** Parks and gardens
- **Also known as:** Cottonwood Tree

![Smoke Tree](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426232/objects/4863.jpg)

## Appearance

The Smoke Tree is a small, often multi-stemmed tree known for its airy, plume-like flower clusters that give it a smoky appearance, especially in summer. Its rounded leaves turn vibrant shades of orange, red, and purple in autumn, adding a dramatic splash of color.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Sapindales
- **Family:** Anacardiaceae
- **Genus:** Cotinus

## Interesting facts

- Its scientific name hints at ancient Greek words, linking it to wild olive trees!
- People once used this tree's wood to create a beautiful yellow dye for clothing!
- Some varieties grow leaves so purple they look like they're from another planet!
- The amazing 'smoke' isn't just flowers, but fuzzy hairs on the faded flower stalks!

## Special abilities

- **Smoky Plume Power:** Smoke Tree can produce fluffy, smoke-like flower plumes that help it spread seeds widely with the wind and attract tiny insects.
- **Drought Buster:** Smoke Tree has a deep root system that helps it find water in dry, rocky soils, allowing it to survive arid environments.
- **Autumn Fire:** Smoke Tree boasts vibrant autumn leaf colors, which likely help it maximize nutrient reabsorption before shedding leaves for winter.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 3-7 m
- **Spread:** 3-6 m
- **Edible:** No
- **Size:** 10-30 cm
- **Lifespan:** 20-50 years
- **Fruit Type:** Drupe
- **Growth Rate:** Medium
- **Leaf Type:** Deciduous

## Ecological connections

- **Pollinates:** European honey bee (*Apis mellifera*) — collects nectar and pollen from its small flowers.
- **Eaten by:** Smoke Tree Casebearer (*Coleophora cotinella*) — larvae create distinctive cases while feeding on its leaves.
- **Eaten by:** Spiraea aphid (*Aphis spiraecola*) — sucks sap from young shoots and leaf undersides.

## Traits

- [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
- [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
- [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
- [Fall Color](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fall-color): Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
- [Rapid Growing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rapid-growing): Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
- [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.

## Collections

- [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Smoke Tree?

Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Smoke Tree?

3-7 m

### How wide does Smoke Tree spread?

3-6 m

### Is Smoke Tree edible?

No

### How big is Smoke Tree?

10-30 cm

### How long does Smoke Tree live?

20-50 years

### Where is Smoke Tree usually found?

Parks and gardens

### What kind of fruit does Smoke Tree produce?

Drupe

## Where to spot

- [Rodman Mountains](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/rodman-mountains) — California, US · Natural Landmark

## More Trees

- [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*)
- [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*)
- [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*)
- [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*)

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Source: [Smoke Tree: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/smoke-tree)