Cotinus coggygria
Quick Summary
Cotinus coggygria, commonly known as the smoke tree, is a species of small tree or shrub belonging to the cashew family, Anacardiaceae. Native to Eurasia, it is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant.123
The smoke tree is characterized by its deciduous nature, attractive fall foliage, and clusters of airy inflorescences that resemble smoke from a distance. These inflorescences are formed from the colored stalks of sterile flowers, ranging in color from red to pale yellow or cream. Cotinus coggygria has oval leaves, distinguishing it from its North American relative, C. obovatus, which has egg-shaped leaves. The genus Cotinus is sometimes included within the genus Rhus but is distinguished by plumose sterile pedicels in its fruiting panicles.13
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
smoke treeCotinus coggygria, the Eurasian species, has oval leaves, while C. obovatus, the North American species, has egg-shaped leaves and is sometimes called chittamwood.
Read MoreCotinus coggygria, the Eurasian species, has oval leaves, while C. obovatus, the North American species, has egg-shaped leaves and is sometimes called chittamwood.
Read More
SapindalesAnacardiaceaeCotinus coggygria (smoke tree), from southern Europe to central China, is a shrub with purplish foliage and large diffuse inflorescences that give the “smoky” appearance. It is commonly planted in temperate regions. Several species of Rhus (sumac), particularly those from North America, are cultivated as…
Read MoreCotinus coggygria (smoke tree), from southern Europe to central China, is a shrub with purplish foliage and large diffuse inflorescences that give the “smoky” appearance. It is commonly planted in temperate regions. Several species of Rhus (sumac), particularly those from North America, are cultivated as…
Read More