European Smoketree

Cotinus coggygria

Native to:
Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, China, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Greece, Hungary, India, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kriti, Krym, Lebanon-Syria, Nepal, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Pakistan, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Ukraine

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Anacardiaceae
Genus:
Cotinus
Species:
Cotinus coggygria
USDA Symbol:
COCO10

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
600 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
pink, yellow
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fall Color:
red, orange, purple

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
poor, rocky, well-drained soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to rocky slopes and hillsides

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
30–90 days
Notes:
Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 2-3 months; germination can be slow and erratic.