Cotinus coggygria: Smoketree

This slow growing, open-crowned, round, small tree eventually reaches to 10 to 15 feet tall (occasionally 20) and 10 to 15 feet wide. The large panicles of wispy cream-colored flowers produced in spring and early summer give the effect of a cloud of smoke. 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.