Cotinus coggygria'Purpureus': 'Purpureus' Smoketree

This slow growing, open-crown, round, small tree eventually reaches to 12 to 15 feet tall (occasionally 20) and 10 to 12 feet wide. The large panicles of wispy dark pink flowers produced in spring and early summer give the effect of a cloud of smoke. Leaves emerge purple and fade to dark green in the summer. They make a wonderful accent in a shrub border and can be planted as a specimen or as a patio tree where the black, showy, multiple trunk can be displayed. Planting Smoketree is a good way to extend the spring flowering-tree season into the summer before the Crape-Myrtles come into full bloom. Fall color is usually good to excellent and ranges from yellow to orange and brilliant red-purple. Many people grow it simply to enjoy the vivid fall color.