Where there is smoke: The Cotinus

My neighbors have a bush in their front yard that I noticed while walking last fall. It has large, fluffy, foamy pink/purple plumes growing out of round, deep green leaves. That morning I had to stop my walk to ask permission to take a photo (see picture).

My dogs were very understanding.

Using a plant identification app on my phone (Plant Net – my son-in-law introduced me to this app; he uses it when he takes his little ones to the park because my grandson loves collecting leaves), I learned that my neighbor’s plant is a Cotinus, colloquially known as smoke tree.

How fitting!

I furthered my knowledge of Cotinus with a little online research. I learned that the foamy plumes that originally caught my eye are the flowers of the plant. There are several different Cotinus cultivars with plume colors ranging from bright yellow/green to red to deep purple. These plumes/flowers bloom from late spring into fall, making this plant a good addition for color in the yard and garden during the hottest months of the year. Added bonus – the plumes work well in floral arrangements and add a dramatic smoky quality to cut flowers. In fall, the color of the smoke tree foliage intensifies and remains colorful well into winter.

I also learned that the smoke tree thrives in our Northern California climate. It likes to be planted in sunny areas and survives our dry summers well. This striking landscape addition is a member of the cashew family—that was a surprise to me. However, the smoke tree has no culinary or herbal uses. In fact, the sap of the smoke tree is mildly poisonous, so gardeners must be cautious when pruning or working near the plant. Also, if you have small children who like to pick leaves, caution is advised! Since some smoke tree varieties can grow quite tall (8 to 10 feet), owners should prune their bushes in the fall or winter. Please note that pruning will inhibit the production of flower spikes the following year.

For more information and close-ups of the different varieties of smoke tree, check out this short online video that is both helpful and entertaining: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6e5Sbiz2RQ Now that I know about the smoke tree, I see it in many gardens. I believe it is becoming more and more popular as an eye-catching landscaping option due to its drama and novelty. Perhaps it is a consideration for you.

The Red Bluff Garden Club Inc. is a member of the Cascade District, California Garden Clubs, Inc., Pacific Region Garden Clubs, Inc. and National Garden Clubs, Inc. We meet on the last Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church, 525 David Avenue in Red Bluff. We are currently taking a summer break, but you are welcome to come back in the fall. Visitors are always welcome.